Natasha Howard sends a strong message about the possible alternatives to Caitlyn Clark.
Kate Rinklark remains sidelined from the Indiana Fever due to persistent groin tension experienced a few weeks ago. She has missed seven consecutive games and has yet to receive a timetable for her return.
Despite the absence of the WNBA’s biggest and most well-known star, the Fever have continued their winning streak. On Sunday, they defeated the Seattle Storm 78-74, marking their fifth consecutive win and their eighth victory in the last ten games.
At times, other Fever players have stepped up to share the offensive burden alongside Clark. On Sunday, forward Natasha Howard led the team with 21 points, making 12 shots from the field.
However, the spotlight has also been on a rising talent.
Ahri Macdonald might be an undiscovered gem
Indiana added Macdonald as a free agent in early June after she was waived by the Los Angeles Sparks. She was the third overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft following a successful college career at Arizona but had yet to make a significant impact in her professional career.
Recently, she appears to have found her stride with the Fever. Against Seattle, she scored nine points and delivered nine assists. On Wednesday, she tallied 27 points, shooting 7 of 11 from the field and hitting all 10 free throw attempts against the Phoenix Mercury.
Howard praised Macdonald’s recent performances on social media, saying, “There’s nothing you don’t notice.”
Macdonald stepped in for the injured Clark in the Fever’s starting lineup, averaging 12.1 points on 46.7% shooting, along with 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals over the last seven games.
Although only 5 feet 6 inches tall, Macdonald plays much bigger and is also a defensively strong component for the Fever.
Could Clark’s injury turn out to be a blessing in disguise?
Whenever a star player is sidelined by injury, it often opens the door for other players further down the lineup or on the bench to prove their worth at a high level.
That seems to be happening with Macdonald. Indiana initially signed her when Clark and others were injured. Without those injuries, Macdonald might not have played or been welcomed onto the team as a starter.
She has stepped up, along with Howard, guard Sophie Cunningham, and All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell, who have all elevated their games. This depth will benefit the Fever, especially if Clark returns fully healthy.
Currently, the team holds a 17-12 record, the fifth-best in the WNBA.
Fan Take: This development is significant for WNBA fans as it highlights the depth of talent within teams that can emerge when stars face setbacks. It showcases the growing competitiveness and resilience in the league, promising an exciting future for the sport.
