Indiana Fever Sweep Preseason: Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull Ignite Hopes for a Breakout WNBA Season

The Indiana Fever have completed a flawless preseason, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record and sending a resounding message to the rest of the WNBA ahead of the 2024 regular season. With Caitlin Clark shooting from unprecedented distances and Lexie Hull emerging as a critical fourth-quarter weapon, the Fever’s preseason run wasn’t just about wins—it was about the birth of a new identity for a franchise hungry for relevance and success.

The preseason journey began with the Fever notching victories over the Washington Mystics and the Brazilian national team, but it was their final game against Brittney Griner’s Atlanta Dream that truly captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. The Fever’s 81-76 win over Atlanta capped off a three-game sweep and showcased the team’s depth, resilience, and growing chemistry.

Caitlin Clark, the much-hyped rookie and former Iowa superstar, was the headline attraction throughout the preseason. However, her participation in the final game was thrown into doubt less than 24 hours before tip-off. Clark suffered a scare during a routine practice drill, colliding with a practice player and aggravating a previously strained leg. Fever fans anxiously refreshed their social media feeds, fearing the worst for their new franchise cornerstone. The medical staff worked swiftly, and after careful assessment, Clark was cleared to play, turning what could have been a preseason crisis into a mere footnote.

Clark’s return to the court was nothing short of spectacular. From the opening minutes, she made it clear she was not holding back, launching three-pointers from near the logo and making defenders look helpless. Sports Illustrated’s WNBA analyst Robin Lundberg remarked on social media, “I think Caitlin Clark may have even increased her range. She is shooting the deep ones like they are nothing.” Clark’s performance—13 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in just 23 minutes—underscored her readiness for the professional stage and her ability to impact games even when not at full health.

But the Fever’s perfect preseason was not a solo act. Lexie Hull, who has transitioned to a bench role this season after starting down the stretch last year, delivered a breakout performance against Atlanta. Hull’s confidence and aggression were evident as she scored 11 of her 14 points in the crucial fourth quarter, helping the Fever pull away when the game was on the line. Her ability to find lanes, hit mid-range jumpers, and finish at the rim gave Indiana a much-needed spark. On defense, Hull’s intensity and awareness created turnovers and fast-break opportunities, making her an indispensable asset in crunch time.

Head coach Stephanie White was quick to praise Hull’s development, noting how she has embraced her evolving role without letting it limit her growth. “When you accept your role, as Lexie does, you can’t allow it to put you in a box,” White explained. Hull’s offseason work, including her championship run in the Unrivaled three-on-three league, has paid off, sharpening her skills and boosting her confidence. Hull herself credited the competitive practice environment and the trust of her teammates and coaches for her ability to deliver in big moments.

The game against Atlanta was not without its drama. Clark, known for her fiery competitiveness, picked up a technical foul in the second quarter after expressing frustration over a no-call. Veteran Sophie Cunningham immediately stepped in to diffuse the situation, demonstrating the growing chemistry and leadership within the Fever locker room. Cunningham’s own night was cut short by an ankle injury suffered in the third quarter, but both she and Coach White expressed optimism about her recovery, with Cunningham insisting, “I’ll be fine,” after the game.

Beyond the stats and highlights, the Fever’s preseason finale was also marked by moments of sportsmanship that reflect the best of the WNBA. After the game, Clark and Brittney Griner shared a warm embrace, a gesture that resonated with fans and underscored the mutual respect among the league’s stars. These interactions, along with the team’s resilience in the face of adversity, have helped build a positive culture in Indiana—one that balances fierce competition with genuine camaraderie.

The Fever’s depth was on full display throughout the preseason. With new additions like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, and the continued growth of Aaliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana has assembled a roster capable of challenging any team in the league. Hull’s emergence as a clutch performer off the bench adds another layer to the Fever’s attack, giving Coach White flexibility and options as she tinkers with lineups ahead of the regular season.

Coach White emphasized the importance of continued growth and adaptation, noting that the team is still building layers into its offensive and defensive schemes. The Fever’s ability to hold opponents to 34% shooting and maintain a high assist-to-field goal ratio are signs of a team buying into its system and trusting the process. While there is still work to be done—particularly in reducing turnovers and improving patience on offense—the foundation for sustained success is clearly in place.

Looking ahead, the Fever face an immediate test in their regular season opener against the Chicago Sky on May 17th at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a nationally televised game on ABC. The Sky are expected to focus their defensive efforts on denying Clark the ball and disrupting her rhythm, providing an early benchmark for how Indiana’s new-look roster will handle pressure and adversity. The uncertainty surrounding Cunningham’s ankle adds another layer of intrigue, but the team’s depth and collective confidence suggest they are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

The connection between Clark and Hull, in particular, has shown flashes of what could become one of the league’s most potent offensive duos. Their chemistry, combined with the leadership of veterans and the energy of rising stars, has created a sense of optimism around the Fever that has not been seen in years. The preseason sweep is more than just a series of exhibition wins; it is a statement that Indiana is ready to compete at the highest level and perhaps even contend sooner than expected.

As the regular season approaches, Fever fans have every reason to be excited. The team has weathered injury scares, technical fouls, and tense moments, emerging stronger and more unified. The question is no longer whether the Fever will make noise in 2024, but just how loud that noise will be. With Clark, Hull, and a deep supporting cast, Indiana is poised to be one of the most compelling stories of the WNBA season.

For fans eager to witness the next chapter, the message is clear: the Indiana Fever are back, and they are ready to take the league by storm. If you’re excited for the season to start, comment “I’ve got the Fever” below, and get ready for a season of unforgettable moments and rising stars.