Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the Indiana Fever, spent the previous season enduring tough fouls, cheap shots, and defenders who tried to bully their way into slowing her down. But now, with a fierce new lineup surrounding her, that era is officially over. Enter Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and DeWanna Bonner—three veteran stars who play with an edge and aren’t afraid to get physical. And needless to say, the critics who targeted Clark are absolutely furious.

Caitlin Clark Breaks Serena Williams' Six-Figure Record - Athlon Sports

Sophie Cunningham’s Excitement to Join the Fever

Sophie Cunningham, who was traded to the Fever from the Phoenix Mercury, is ready to make an impact in Indiana. “My original thought was like, ‘Oh heck yeah, we’re about to go win a championship,’” Cunningham exclaimed.

Joining the Fever alongside seasoned players like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, Cunningham adds not just skill but championship pedigree to a team eager to contend for a title. “I’ve got so many great players around me. It’s time to win a championship,” Cunningham added.

For Cunningham, her time in Phoenix, where she played all six seasons of her WNBA career, was valuable. But now, she’s excited for what’s to come in Indiana, where the team’s depth and experience are already setting them up for success.

Mercury's Sophie Cunningham Keeps it Real About Narratives and Competitiveness

The “Enforcers” Ready to Fight for Clark

The Fever’s offseason moves were deliberate. With championship-minded veterans like Bonner, Howard, and Cunningham joining the squad, Indiana’s front office made a powerful statement. “We’re here to win a championship,” Cunningham said with passion. Their addition to the team not only bolsters the roster but directly impacts Caitlin Clark’s ability to thrive on the court without fear of being targeted by defenders.

The 2023 season was one where Clark often found herself on the receiving end of aggressive play, but now, with these experienced enforcers by her side, the bullies are no longer a problem. The presence of Howard, Bonner, and Cunningham ensures that Clark has the protection she needs to continue dominating the game without facing physical intimidation.

DeWanna Bonner Chooses Clark and the Fever for Another Championship

Bonner, who previously played for the Connecticut Sun, has joined the Fever with one goal in mind—winning another championship. “I want to win another championship,” Bonner said. “This team gives me the best chance at that.”

Bonner brings invaluable experience and leadership to the team, and her role alongside Clark will be instrumental in the Fever’s future success. “I don’t feel like I need to push her to be any type of player that she isn’t already,” Bonner said about Clark. “She’s already making waves in the league, and I’m here to make her life a little easier.”

Missouri's Sophie Cunningham and South Carolina's Tyasha Harris chase a loose ball on Jan. 7 in Columbia, Mo. Mizzou won 83-74. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

A Strong Team Built for Success

Sophie Cunningham said she'd 'love to play' with Caitlin Clark. Now, she will. - Yahoo Sports

The Fever’s roster, now strengthened by these veteran players, has a promising future. With a young core led by Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, the team has shown incredible potential, finishing the regular season strong after a tough start last year. This offseason, the Fever’s management has made strategic moves, signing three-time WNBA champion Natasha Howard and acquiring seasoned players like Cunningham and Bonner, positioning the team to be serious contenders for the championship.

Clark herself has expressed her excitement about the direction the team is heading. “I think the next few years are going to be amazing for this franchise,” Clark said. “They’re investing to help us be really good, and hopefully we’ll win a few championships along the way.”

The Road to Victory

The Fever are setting their sights on a championship, and with the new additions to the roster, they are better positioned than ever to achieve that goal. The blend of youthful energy from Clark and the leadership of veterans like Bonner and Howard creates a formidable team dynamic that will be tough to beat. As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Indiana as they make a deep run toward the WNBA title.

With enforcers now in place to protect their star, the Indiana Fever are more prepared than ever to take on the league’s toughest teams and make a championship push. And for Caitlin Clark, the road ahead looks even brighter with her teammates by her side, ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.