"Fever gotta activate Caitlin Clark for semis": Fans crave for superstar's WNBA playoffs return after stunning first round win vs Dream

The Indiana Fever stunned everybody after defeating the Atlanta Dream in their 2025 WNBA playoffs first-round series without Caitlin Clark. The Fever were also without Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, Chloe Bibby and Damaris Dantas.

It was one of the biggest upsets in recent memory in the playoffs. The Fever had the worst odds to win the title before the postseason tipped off, but on Thursday, they pulled the rabbit out of the hat in the last few seconds. Indiana trailed by five with 2:32 left, and it seemed like they were headed for a second consecutive first-round exit.

The Dream looked more composed and comfortable with their home crown behind them. However, the Fever chipped away, keeping it a one-possession game. They didn't let the Dream score a single point after the five-point lead and went on a 7-0 run to close the contest.

Right after the final whistle, Fever fans instantly craved for a Caitlin Clark return in the semis. The Fever superstar has been out since July and announced that her season ended on Sept. 5. Clark was limited to 13 games with multiple injuries. But with the season unexpectedly prolonging, the Fever fans expressed hope online of Clark's sensational comeback. Here's how they reacted:

Caitlin Clark cannot play in the WNBA playoffs

The Indiana Fever won't have the luxury to ramp up Caitlin Clark for a WNBA playoffs return. According to the league's rules, a team cannot activate a player not listed on the playoff roster. That process is only allowable during the regular season. Unfortunately for the Fever, they kept Clark off the playoff roster after she announced that her season had ended on Sept. 5.

The Fever face off against the Aces, who were red hot to close the season with 16 consecutive wins. The streak extended to 17 after their Game 1 win over the Seattle Storm.

However, the Aces lost in Game 2 after a fourth-quarter collapse and nearly faced the same fate in Thursday's elimination contest. Given the Fever's dominance against the Storm in the regular season (2-0), a team that caused troubles for A'ja Wilson and Co., Indiana may have a better chance to escape past Las Vegas.

It would have been an even better shot had Caitlin Clark been available.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje