"Indiana fans don’t forget what Erica Wheeler did for Caitlin Clark": Fever fans react to ex-veteran guard's reception during All-Star Weekend  

Indiana Fever fans embraced former player Erica Wheeler during Friday's 2025 WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge. Wheeler came up short in the contest, losing by 1.1 seconds to Natasha Cloud. She was impressive nonetheless, and some support from the home fans certainly played a role.

In 2024, Wheeler was a vital cog for Indiana behind the scenes. Her leadership was critical in helping the Fever stay composed. Wheeler also had Caitlin Clark's back throughout the season as the then-rookie battled with outside noise. The Fever made the playoffs for the first time in eight years, overturning a 1-9 start to finish 20-20.

Still, the Fever moved on from Wheeler last offseason. With Clark replacing her in the lineup, Wheeler's role diminished. She found a new home in Seattle, where she gets to play more, while the Fever replenished their guard depth with Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald.

Wheeler's contributions to a young Fever squad did not go unnoticed, though. It was evident during the reception she got from Indiana fans on Friday. Fever supporters on social media reacted to the love shown to Wheeler at the arena:

Ken Swift

@kenswift

Indiana fans don’t forget what @EWeezy_For3eezy did for @CaitlinClark22 last year.​

BIG T

@cc22NY

Facts. Miss her. She was her veteran.

Pam Peden Bond

@BondPam

Miss her being on the Fever

jojo07

@incogneeeeto

Indiana fans will always love and support Erica Wheeler!

Lucy

@Lucy17763471265

I started loving for first time I see her when caitlin drafted to indy and the way erica celebrate 🥳 she take my heart.

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When Caitlin Clark praised Erica Wheeler for having her back

Caitlin Clark has been a polarizing figure in the WNBA, not just among the fans and the media, but also among the players. While she has done well to drown out the noise, she has received plenty of help from players like Erica Wheeler.

In September, Clark summed up her relationship with Wheeler:

"I think she is somebody that understands me well, like she is always there, whether the moments are really good or the moments not so great. She is there to help me through it or celebrate it, whether it is good or bad."

Wheeler remains a fan favorite in Indiana, and Friday's reception was a testament to it.