The Indiana Fever may not have been as impressive as expected to start the season, but they earned a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup final with a huge win over the defending champions. Not very surprisingly, the Minnesota Lynx claimed the other spot. Minnesota is still the best team in the league with a 14-2 record and league-leading offensive and defensive ratings.
Caitlin Clark is currently listed as questionable for the game. Even without her, the Fever have a secret weapon that could help them shut down the Lynx, though. Aari McDonald, who joined the team in the wake of DeWanna Bonner’s absence, will be key to stalling a Lynx offense that thrives from behind the arc.
Aari McDonald gives the Fever another good perimeter defender
Lexie Hull has long had to shoulder a lot of defensive responsibility for the Fever. She is the team’s best perimeter defender and has been asked to make up for others’ shortcomings all season long while also taking on some of the toughest assignments in the league. The addition of McDonald makes her life a lot easier.
McDonald is also a great defender at the guard spot. Starting alongside her led to Hull’s best defensive performance of the season. Seeing McDonald make a difference on the defensive end also makes the loss of Bonner and her defense sting a little less. McDonald may not play the same position, but she adds much-needed defensive talent that is incredibly valuable to have around Caitlin Clark.
Indiana has to limit Minnesota’s opportunities from three
The Minnesota Lynx are a very well-rounded team on both ends of the floor. One thing that gives the Lynx a major advantage over the rest of the league is that they are the top 3-point shooting team in the WNBA. The Lynx may only take the sixth-most threes, but they convert over 36 percent of them.
Minnesota’s good 3-point shooting is a result of great team effort. Shutting down one player isn’t enough to limit the Lynx’s firepower from long range. Kayla McBride, Napheesa Collier, and Courtney Williams are all currently shooting 39 percent or better on at least 3.7 attempts per game. Karlie Samuelson, who will miss the game, Alanna Smith, and Bridget Carleton are all averaging around 35 percent shooting on significant volume. Even Natisha Hiedeman, who is only shooting 25.6 percent for the season, has shown the ability to make big threes.
The Fever cannot allow the Lynx to get hot from three, especially if Clark has to miss the game and they are down one of their best shooters. Having another good perimeter defender like Aari McDonald will be huge for the Fever. Chasing around Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams is a full-time job. McDonald could be the key to slowing them down.