The Indiana Fever gave rookie guard Raven Johnson an expanded role on May 20, 2026, during a 90-73 victory over the Portland Fire at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Superstar Caitlin Clark, who missed the game due to back discomfort, clarified that their past collegiate rivalry has turned into a supportive locker room relationship.
Johnson, the tenth overall pick out of South Carolina, played a career-high 22 minutes and scored a career-high nine points with three rebounds.
She has averaged 2.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 12.2 minutes per game off the bench across her first five appearances.
Defensive Focus for the Rookie
The 5-foot-8 point guard's defensive capabilities have become a focal point for the Fever, who average 94.4 points but allow 88 points per game.
Analysts say her perimeter defense and court vision will be key to Indiana's postseason success.
"Indiana desperately needs Raven as a defender, that's going to be the difference between Indiana going somewhere in the playoffs and not," said Michael Voepel, ESPN women's basketball writer.
He noted that the defensive end is where Johnson can securely earn her playing time.
Meghan L.
Hall, USA TODAY Sports senior WNBA reporter, added: "My head is, how can Raven impact in terms of facilitating, dishing it out to her teammates, clearing the floor, making sure people are in their right places and, she's an absolute menace on the defensive end."
During the victory against Portland, Johnson took 12 shots, including eight from three-point range, after averaging just one shot per game in her prior four outings.
Head coach Stephanie White addressed the rookie's shooting confidence and defensive versatility after the game.
"They weren't guarding her so when you're open, she's going to shoot it," White said.
The coach explained that Johnson needs to understand shot selection and consistency from the perimeter.
White also praised Johnson's defensive impact against larger positions. "I thought her activity level on the defensive end was really good for us," she said.
Wilton Jackson II, reporter for The IX, believes Johnson's physical tools and basketball IQ make her an ideal fit for Indiana's transition style.
"I think she was the perfect fit to go to Indiana," he said.
Clark Dismisses Rivalry Rumors
Before the Portland game, Clark appeared on the "Post Moves" podcast hosted by teammate Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker.
She addressed social media speculation about her relationship with Johnson following their intense 2023 NCAA Tournament matchup.
"We just joke about it. I just joke about the South Carolina things, and they love it.
I always say, 'go Cocks', and I join them… Raven is great, she is so fun in the locker room," Clark said.
She added that she enjoys mentoring the younger squad and answering Johnson's developmental questions.
On the same podcast, Boston shared stories about Clark's on-court disagreements with officials.
"She (Clark) will like walk up to them, and she'll be like 'Are you kidding me?'
and I'll be like 'hey' and I have to grab her, and we have to walk away," Boston said.
While Johnson continues to earn minutes, Clark remains the leading force for Indiana, averaging 24.3 points and 9.0 assists per game.
The Fever are scheduled to face the Golden State Valkyries next on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
