As the Indiana Fever look to find their rhythm this WNBA season, a key storyline emerging is how veteran forwards DeWanna Bonner and Natosha Howard will mesh with rookie phenom Caitlin Clark. With Bonner turning 38 in August and Howard approaching 34 in September, age and pace could become significant factors—especially when it comes to transition play and defensive stamina.
Fever Thrive in Transition with Clark
One of the most electrifying elements of Caitlin Clark’s game is her ability to push the tempo and create fast-break opportunities. Against the Washington Mystics, Indiana’s offense found its groove primarily by running in transition. Clark’s court vision, speed, and pinpoint passing allowed her teammates to get easy looks at the basket before the defense could set up.
This uptempo style suits younger, more agile players who can match Clark stride-for-stride. Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham exemplified this perfectly in the Fever’s recent matchup against the Mystics. Both players showcased relentless energy on both ends of the floor, capitalizing on Clark’s quick outlet passes and causing havoc on defense. Their ability to match the Mystics’ speed and intensity gave Indiana an edge in both transition scoring and perimeter defense.
The Concern with Bonner and Howard
In contrast, the potential addition of Bonner and Howard to this lineup raises questions about how the Fever’s identity might shift. Both are experienced, talented veterans with proven track records, particularly in half-court sets. Bonner’s length and scoring versatility, paired with Howard’s post presence and rebounding ability, give Indiana a more physical, seasoned look on the floor.
However, the pace they bring is undeniably slower. During stretches against Washington, the defensive mobility and transition awareness of Bonner and Howard appeared to lag behind that of Hull and Cunningham. This discrepancy could be problematic when facing fast, young teams that look to exploit transition opportunities—a tactic that Clark naturally leans into.
Defensive Tempo and Fit
Defensively, Hull and Cunningham brought a level of aggression and quickness that disrupted the Mystics’ rhythm. They were not only faster in rotation but also more active in denying passes and applying pressure. Their presence on the floor allowed Clark to gamble a bit more for steals or transition passes, knowing the perimeter defense behind her was reliable.
With Bonner and Howard, the defensive coverage slows, and rotations become more predictable. That could create exploitable gaps against quick-cutting offenses and fast-rotating ball movement.
Finding the Right Balance
The challenge for the Fever will be striking the right balance between experience and pace. Bonner and Howard offer leadership, size, and composure that are invaluable in close games and playoff pushes. But to maximize Clark’s strengths—and the team’s early momentum in transition play—the coaching staff may need to be strategic with rotations and lineups.
Ultimately, whether Bonner and Howard will slow the offense or provide the stabilizing presence Indiana needs remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark thrives in a fast-paced system, and the Fever will have to adapt around her if they hope to build a sustainable, winning formula.