Fever 105, Nigeria 57: Caitlin Clark Rests, Indiana's Depth Dominates in Preseason Finale

It was never close

Indiana led 32-18 after one quarter and 70-29 at halftime. The Fever shot 54 percent from the field and 45 percent from three — 14-of-31 from deep — while Nigeria went 0-for-12 from beyond the arc and shot just 30 percent overall. Indiana led for 98 percent of the game and built a lead as large as 49. The final score was a formality by the second quarter.

Indiana racked up 26 assists on 36 made baskets, scored 42 points in the paint, and converted 24 fast break points. Nigeria turned it over 25 times and gave up 32 points off those turnovers. Every single Indiana player who logged minutes finished with a positive plus-minus.

Clark rests, the depth steps up

Caitlin Clark played just 13 minutes — by design. She finished with 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting, hit 2-of-3 from three, went 4-of-4 from the line, and posted a +32 in her limited time. White pulled her early, same as Thursday, and that's the right call six days before the regular season opener. Clark is healthy. There's nothing left to prove in a preseason blowout.

The story Saturday was the players fighting for the last roster spots. Makayla Timpson led the team with 24 minutes and finished 5-of-5 from the field for 12 points with 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and a staggering +36. Damiris Dantas came off the bench for 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting, going 4-of-6 from three in 23 minutes with a +14. Raven Johnson continued her strong preseason — 9 points, 7 rebounds, and a +13 in 16 minutes. The rookie has looked legitimate in every preseason game.

Kelsey Mitchell was efficient in her 14 minutes — 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting including 3-of-3 from three, a +28. Sophie Cunningham chipped in 8 points and 3 assists with a +34. Aliyah Boston played 10 controlled minutes — 4 points, 6 assists, a steal, a block, and a +21. The starters got their work in and got out.

What Indiana showed this preseason

The shooting is real. Indiana went 14-of-31 from three tonight at 45 percent. Against Dallas on Thursday they struggled from deep, but that was a competitive game against a WNBA opponent. Saturday's efficiency was more in line with what this roster is capable of when healthy and in rhythm. Mitchell shooting 3-of-3 from three in limited minutes is exactly the kind of reminder of what she brings.

The depth is deeper than last year. Timpson at +36, Dantas going 4-of-6 from three, Johnson doing everything on both ends — Indiana has real contributors behind their starters now. Last year's Fever leaned heavily on their top six. This year's version has options.

Clark managed correctly is Clark at full strength. Thirteen minutes Saturday, sixteen Thursday, out early both times. White is being deliberate about workload management heading into a 44-game regular season. That's the right approach for a player coming off a year that ended after 13 games. The goal isn't a perfect preseason. The goal is May 8 and beyond.