Steph White revealed a willingness to run multiple point guards simultaneously, potentially playing Caitlin Clark alongside backup Aari McDonald once Clark returns from her groin injury. She sees this combo as a chance to get Clark “off the ball a little bit more in certain situations” and speed up Indiana’s outlet tempo .
Why now matters
With Clark sidelined since June 24 and still day‑to‑day, White has taken a cautious stance on her return, even sitting her out of the much‑anticipated showdown with Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings, prioritizing health over spectacle . Her apology acknowledged fans’ disappointment, but emphasized Clark’s long‑term wellness.
Preparing for elite matchups
White’s experimentation stems from awareness that upcoming foes like the Bueckers‑led Wings and Atlanta Dream flaunt potent backcourt duos. Integrating McDonald’s steady 10.3 pts, 4.4 ast performance with Clark gives Fever more playmaking depth and flexibility .
Context: Clark vs. Bueckers buzz
Rookie Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick, quickly delivered at Dallas with early All‑Star rotation, fueling speculation about a premier guard duel with Clark . Meanwhile, Clark a record‑setting rookie averaging ~18 pts and 8 ast remains the face of the Fever, and White is clearly building her offense around Clark’s growth and resilience .
Bottom line
White’s bold tactical shift leaning into guard versatility signals a new era in Indiana. By effectively deploying a dual‑PG system, she hopes to sharpen Clark’s impact, stress opposing defenses, and offer creative responses in key matchups. As Clark returns and Bueckers looms across the court, all eyes will be on how quickly this strategic revamp pays dividends.
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