Aari McDonald suffered an injury at a critical moment for the Indiana Fever. It happened during the game against the Phoenix Mercury, where the Fever suffered a crushing 95-60 loss. On top of that, two more players experienced physical discomfort, raising more concerns for the team.
Just when WNBA teams need to step up their game, the Fever lost McDonald to injury. Reports suggest she hurt her ankle, and now it’s uncertain whether she’ll return for Saturday’s game against the Chicago Sky.
A key absence in a crucial moment
According to Essentiallysports, Aari McDonald scored just four points, grabbed two rebounds, and made three assists before leaving the court in the fourth quarter. She went straight to the locker room with head coach Stephanie White and did not return to the game.
In the post-game press conference, White addressed McDonald’s condition. She confirmed that McDonald injured her right foot, prompting the team to fly back to Indianapolis. “We’ll get more evaluations once we’re home and see where we stand,” White explained.
Now Aari McDonald is heading back to the locker room with athletic trainer Maria Witte. She had a slight limp as she was subbed out.
That’s Colson, Cunningham, and now McDonald. Plus Clark out. That’s all their PGs.— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) August 8, 2025
Now, concern is growing among the Fever and their fans. McDonald had become the team’s main point guard, especially since Caitlin Clark has been out since July. After injuries to Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson, McDonald joined the team and quickly proved her value.
In her first three games with the Fever, McDonald averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals, shooting 42.9% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. She fit in seamlessly with her new teammates.
Although her role was reduced when Clark returned in mid-June, McDonald rejoined the Fever on a standard contract after veteran forward DeWanna Bonner retired. Since then, she has become an essential player, averaging 9.9 points, 4.5 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. She has started in seven of ten games and continues to shoot 42.9% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
