Fever’s Aari McDonald decision is painfully obvious after collapse vs. Sparks

Aari McDonald played a handful of games with the Fever on a hardship contract while Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham were injured. She immediately captured the hearts of fans in Indiana. So, the team wasted no time bringing her back once they waived DeWanna Bonner. 

While McDonald is a good pickup for the Fever, she does not replace Bonner. McDonald is a small guard rather than the long, All-Star forward Bonner is. So, the Fever had to figure out where McDonald would fit into the rotation. After the Fever’s game against the Sparks, the answer to that question should be obvious. McDonald should be the Fever’s primary backup guard, playing ahead of Sydney Colson in the rotation. 

Aari McDonald outplayed Colson in the Fever’s loss to the Sparks

Since Clark was out with a groin injury, the Fever had to adjust the starting lineup for their game against the Sparks. Sydney Colson got the start. The decision made sense. Colson is a proven veteran and has been with the Fever all season long. However, Colson produced little, finishing the game with two rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block, and two turnovers in 17 minutes. 

Stephanie White quickly decided to rely on Aari McDonald instead. McDonald played 24 minutes and closed the game over Colson. She was the team’s second-leading scorer after Kelsey Mitchell. McDonald scored 14 points on 3-8 shooting from the field and 7-10 from the free-throw line. She attacked the basket, sped up the Fever’s offense, and provided great energy. She also grabbed two rebounds, dished out one assist, and got two steals. 

The lack of playmaking between McDonald and Colson hurt the Fever in Clark’s absence. It was especially evident in Aliyah Boston’s performance. McDonald has shown the ability to set up her teammates before, though. She had five assists in her first regular-season game with the Fever. 

The Fever will need more of that from her, especially if Clark misses another game. Nevertheless, McDonald’s energy on both ends of the floor is undeniable, and she should surpass Colson in the rotation. If Clark misses more time, McDonald should get the start. Once Clark returns, McDonald should be the Fever’s primary backup point guard. 

Indiana needs more playmaking outside of Clark

Clark is a great playmaker, and the Fever rely heavily on her to orchestrate the offense. When she is out, whether that means just taking a break or missing an entire game, the Fever struggle to make up for her absence. Aliyah Boston emerged as the Fever’s next-best playmaker during Clark’s first absence. The guard rotation hasn’t offered much playmaking, though, and the lack has been difficult to overcome.