The Indiana Fever’s preseason matchup against the Brazil women’s national team wasn’t just a warm-up — it was a statement. All eyes were on No. 1 draft pick Caitlin Clark, and while headlines focused on her debut performance, there were several key moments fans might’ve missed during the action-packed game. From quiet breakout performances to overlooked chemistry and subtle coaching strategies, here’s everything you may have missed.

Caitlin Clark’s Playmaking Overlooked

While much of the post-game coverage focused on Clark’s shooting (17 points on 5-of-13 from the field), what fans didn’t see was her court vision and unselfishness. Clark racked up several “hockey assists” — passes that led to the assist — and showcased elite passing instincts, especially in transition. Her ability to find teammates in tight windows is already changing the pace of the Fever’s offense.

Aliyah Boston’s Silent Dominance

Aliyah Boston may not have put up flashy stats, but her presence in the paint was undeniable. Her defensive positioning shut down several Brazilian drives, and she altered shots even when she didn’t block them. Boston’s communication with Clark on defense is already showing signs of high-level synergy.

Coach Christie Sides’ Rotation Experimentation

Coach Christie Sides used the game as an opportunity to test multiple lineups — something that casual viewers might’ve missed. She experimented with a small-ball setup featuring Clark, Lexie Hull, and Grace Berger, which led to a surprising scoring burst in the second quarter. This flexibility may be critical later in the season when facing more athletic or fast-paced opponents.

Brazil’s Physical Defense — A Wake-Up Call

Brazil came in with intensity, using physical defense that rattled the Fever’s second unit. For younger players like NaLyssa Smith and Victaria Saxton, the aggressive pressure created several turnovers. However, the Fever adjusted well in the second half — a sign of composure and growing experience.

Lexie Hull’s Perimeter Defense

While often under the radar, Lexie Hull put on a defensive clinic. She recorded multiple deflections and key stops, especially when matched up against Brazil’s top guards. Her ability to stay disciplined on closeouts gave the Fever a reliable perimeter stopper when the pace sped up.

The Crowd’s Impact

The atmosphere inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric — and it wasn’t just for Clark. The Fever fanbase showed out in force, and that noise clearly energized the team. For a preseason game to draw over a million TV viewers and near-capacity attendance is no small feat. The Fever are officially the hottest ticket in town.

 Final Takeaway

While the spotlight was on Caitlin Clark’s debut, the Indiana Fever’s team performance offered plenty of promising signs. Chemistry is building, rotations are forming, and role players are stepping up in big ways. If this game was any indication, fans are in for a must-watch season — and the Fever are ready to rise.