Cheryl Miller praises the Indiana Fever after their first win of the season, highlighting their strong identity. She notes that the team now has a target on their back as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Key points
Cheryl Miller praises the Indiana Fever's identity.
The Fever won their first game of the season.
They defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 87-78.
Miller notes the team now has a target on their back.
WNBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock this weekend.
Mentioned in this story
Cheryl MillerIndianapolis
Indiana FeverLos Angeles SparksWNBA
Cheryl Miller on Fever: 'There's a target on their back'
INDIANAPOLIS -- Fever fans got their first glimpse of what this season could look Wednesday night, and women's basketball legend Cheryl Miller believes it’s only the beginning.
After the Fever earned their first win of the season with an 87-78 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, Miller said she’s impressed by the identity Indiana is already showing early in the year.
"I love their basic core philosophy," Miller said Thursday during a media availability ahead of the WNBA’s return to NBC and debut on Peacock this weekend. “They know who they are.”
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22), center Damiris Dantas (12), Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) and forward Cameron Brink (22) battle for a rebound in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) rebounds in front of Los Angeles Sparks guard Ariel Atkins (7) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Q&A
What did Cheryl Miller say about the Indiana Fever's performance?
Cheryl Miller expressed her admiration for the Fever's identity and core philosophy following their first win of the season.
How did the Indiana Fever perform in their recent game?
The Indiana Fever secured their first win of the season with an 87-78 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks.
What does Cheryl Miller mean by 'there's a target on their back'?
Miller suggests that the Fever's recent success has made them a team to watch and compete against in the league.
When does the WNBA return to NBC and debut on Peacock?
The WNBA's return to NBC and debut on Peacock is scheduled for this weekend.
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May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) is defended by Indiana Fever guard Tyasha Harris (52) as she drives to the basket in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark photos vs Los Angeles Sparks
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22), center Damiris Dantas (12), Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) and forward Cameron Brink (22) battle for a rebound in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
1 / 6
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark photos vs Los Angeles Sparks
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22), center Damiris Dantas (12), Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) and forward Cameron Brink (22) battle for a rebound in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
2 / 6
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark photos vs Los Angeles Sparks
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) rebounds in front of Los Angeles Sparks guard Ariel Atkins (7) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
3 / 6
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark photos vs Los Angeles Sparks
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) is defended by Indiana Fever guard Tyasha Harris (52) as she drives to the basket in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
4 / 6
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark photos vs Los Angeles Sparks
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
5 / 6
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark photos vs Los Angeles Sparks
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
6 / 6
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark photos vs Los Angeles Sparks
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Caitlin Clark led Indiana with 24 points in the win, while Kelsey Mitchell added 23 as the Fever improved to 1-1. Indiana will return to the floor Friday against the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Miller, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and USC icon, said the Fever are built to handle the growing expectations surrounding them.
“They haven’t won a championship, but they know there’s a target on their back,” Miller said. “They’re deep.”
She also praised Clark’s ability to settle into the flow of the game rather than forcing the spotlight.
“She just allowed the game to flow,” Miller said. “They’re gonna be a handful down the stretch.”
NBC and Peacock launch their new coverage package featuring analysts Miller and Sue Bird Sunday with a national doubleheader.
Jessica Garceteis an IndyStar sports reporter. Get IndyStar's Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar TV: Fever for in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.