Absence breeds fondness is not what a WNBA announcer’s sentiment was in the Fever vs Mystics game. So far, the 2025 season is not going the way the fans anticipated. We were looking forward to a potential MVP season by Caitlin Clark and potentially more thrilling matchups against Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. But so far, both CC and Reese have had extended injury-related absences from the games, and Bueckers has had a few scares. Since the All-Star break, all we’ve been hoping for is Clark’s return while Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull, and Aliyah Boston are carrying the team in her absence. While viewers are missing the excitement CC brings, onlookers very close to the floor don’t really miss it.

The announcers surely live in the moment. The Indiana Fever hosted a loaded Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse today. Pacers regular announcer, Pat Boylan was at the mic with another team instead of Bria Goss and John Nolan. Caitlin Clark was missing her 12th straight game with a right groin injury. She was still there to cheer her teammates on from the stands. Meanwhile, the guys at the broadcast deck didn’t feel the void.

Although the shorthanded Fever lost 84-88 to the full roster of the Mystics, there were some moments when the teamwork shone. In the fourth quarter, when the Fever was down 73-69, Lexie Hull was back on the floor to help the Fever’s newest signee, Odyssey Sims.

Hull, who can play both shooting guard and forward, returned to the game and was hailed by the commentators. “You go with who you trust in these situations. And this is where Indiana doesn’t necessarily need to have the point guard on the floor,” Boylan’s colleague said. By point guard, they mean the injured one sitting in the stands. “You put the five most veteran players in your system.”

Boylan reiterated coach Stephanie White’s concern about whether she should be maximizing her five best players on the floor or rotating them in the absence of a point guard. So far, her split decisions are working.

The announcers had a very ominous statement: “When Caitlin Clark is available, should she be available,” while discussing White’s recent decisions in CC’s absence. There is a matter to be debated for a healthy Caitlin Clark.

Clark has missed 21 games so far and is working her way back consistently. One of the commentators said that the team will “Welcome her back for the playoffs for sure. Not just the fever, but everyone in basketball will welcome her back.”

Last year Clark was responsible for bringing the lackluster team to a .500 and the first round of the playoffs. This year, the team seems to have recalibrated without her, and the observers closest to this situation have noticed.

Caitlin Clark, a missing factor

Before this game, the Fever were 6-4, on a five-game win streak from July 24 to Aug. 3 without Caitlin Clark. Like last year, they are still firmly in playoff contention. They’d end up losing to the Mystics and Stephanie White’s decision in the last quarter to make Kelsey Mitchell take a quick two instead of a doable three fell into question.

At such times fans notice the difference Clark would’ve made when she used to have extended minutes on the floor. Her teammates – especially Sophie Cunnigham who’s been benched a lot lately and gearing up as Clark’s primary defender – would look forward to have their point guard back. But there’s also the question of if we can have Clark at 100%. Or rest her for hopes of a better playoff situation.

If you recall, Clark had no rest in her RoTY campaign between the NCAA tournament finals, the draft, and her WNBA debut, and the fatigue showed in the playoffs. Last week, Stephanie White said that Clark’s absence was a “blessing in disguise” to the team, with each player finding their role.

Boylan had to lay out the reality that’s waiting for a healthier Clark. “This game is just not the same. This team is just not the same, without her on the floor.” His colleague had to also admit, “I don’t know how many… some of the players may not welcome her back, but she’s gonna be welcomed back.”

Now we’re not talking about attitude here, no matter how much some trolls like to spin a narrative. Fever definitely want their point guard back. The real question is, when she is back, if Clark will rediscover her role in a roster that has adapted to their positions. But it’s Clark. She’s adapted that way from Hawkeyes to Fever to even All-star settings with her archrival, Angel Reese. If it’s about fitting in, CC always does.