Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark expects big things out of rookie Raven Johnson in the 2026 WNBA season.
The Fever dropped their preseason contest against the Dallas Wings on Thursday, 95-80.
Clark finished with 21 points on 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from three. She also tallied four assists and two rebounds in 16 minutes.
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The 24-year-old exited in the third quarter after a collision with Wings forward Alanna Smith. Clark was fine but did not return as a precaution.
Johnson stepped in as her replacement and handled the primary ball-handling duties for the rest of the game.
Postgame, Clark shared what she likes about her backup and offered some sage advice for the promising guard.
Indiana Fever guard Raven Johnson tries to create a play versus the Dallas Wings in pre-seasonTrevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Johnson held her own against the Wings, finishing with three points and five assists in 21 minutes. The 23-year-old is a two-time NCAA champion with the South Carolina Gamecocks.
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Her championship pedigree and leadership enticed the Fever to select her with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Johnson is expected to back up Clark and got an immediate taste of that role against the Wings.
Clark spoke about Johnson postgame. She emphasized what the rookie needs to focus on in Year 1.
“The WNBA is a completely different style than what you play in college,” Clark said. “And, you know, I think also coach [Stephanie White], she expects us to help younger players, and that’s what we’re going to do, and that’s what we want to do.”
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Clark kept her advice simple. Stay inquisitive and never stop learning.
“The best way to learn is to ask questions,” she said. “I still ask questions every single day because I still need to learn. And, you know, trying to be that not only for Raven, but the rest of the rookies and the new people that are on this team.
“So just been trying to help her, and she asked a lot of really great questions. As a point guard, it’s a whole other load to carry as well. So, just trying to help her in every way I can.”
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The Fever are back in action on Saturday in their final preseason contest. They host the Nigeria Women’s National Team at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Related: Raven Johnson Reveals What People ‘Need to Know’ About Caitlin Clark
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
