Entering this season, the writing on the wall for the Indiana Fever’s HC Stephanie White was clear– get a backup for Caitlin Clark. Erica Wheeler’s departure to the Seattle Storm only pushed for help on the point guard position. She brought in Sydney Colson from free agency for some veteran leadership. But with the injuries piling up, the reason was no longer just additional help but active participation. 

First came Aari McDonald, who quickly became the 11th player to replace the departing DeWanna Bonner. The team tried to hold the fort. Until McDonald was also sidelined with a season-ending broken right foot. The focus shifted again to search for the next man up. White brought in the 11-year veteran Odyssey Sims. However, when offensive loopholes became obvious, the HC shifted her gaze to Kyra Lambert. The only issue, the new face in the league has an injury-laiden past. It’s a big bet for Indiana, but the guard is not here to back down.

During her first official practice session with the Fever, reporter Tony East asked, “So, is you recovering from the ACL injuries that you went through in college? Is this the kind of dream vision for you coming through that or did that kind of seem far-fetched?” However, Lambert was quick to assure, “No, it never seemed far-fetched. I mean, I just did the work. I trusted the process. Again, staying faithful and trusting that God’s timing is perfect, and here we are,” she assured.

Lambert made it known that no injuries could falter her spirit now that she is finally in the WNBA. But the ghost of her past can still be huge for the team. Caitlin Clark is still out with no timeline for her return. Moreover, now, Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald are also out. The team is losing games, and the playoffs are just around the corner, making every decision at this point crucial.

The new signee suffered an ACL tear during the first round of the 2017 NCAA tournament as a sophomore. That kept her out for the entirety of her junior year. And while she returned for the 2018-19 campaign, she faced another tear during the preseason. So the guard was forced to miss 2 consecutive seasons at Duke, but she never gave up. Lambert returned to the program for her graduate year and averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals before completing her college career with Texas.

Now she is running with some of the game’s best. After playing for several European Clubs, Lambert impressed during her latest stint with Olympiacos. In winning the league, she averaged 15.4 points and 6.3 dimes per game while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. No wonder she was bestowed with the EuroCup Guard of the Year honor. Now, she has 7 days on the hardship contract to impress WNBA coaches and get their attention for a possible longer run, just like McDonald did.

As the team prepares to face the young Mystics roster, the team heavily relies on Kyra’s hunger and international experience to help the Fever clinch another win. So far, she has left a good enough impression on Coach White. Turns out, she already sees she was meant to be with Indiana.

The newest Fever member signals an Aari McDonald-like mindset

As the latest player to join the Indiana Fever roster, albeit on a 7-day hardship contract, Kyra Lambert signalled a strong Aari McDonald-like mindset during the practice sessions today. Aari too was a hardship joined. But after impressing in two stints for the team, she was signed to a rest-of-season deal.

McDonald had a hunger to prove herself again after the LA Sparks ditched her during their preseason. So, she memorized the plays during her flight to Indy, studied hours of film, and got herself familiarized with the system before taking the court as a Fever player. Now Lambert ignited the same sentiment.

While talking to reporters ahead of the Washington Mystics game, Lambert was asked, “What’s your familiarity, if anything, with the team, with Steph, how they wanna run things?” The new guard responded, “I’ve been watching the WNBA for years. I mean, it’s the best basketball in the world, so I’ve been watching. I’ve been studying.

“You know, being able to watch it and see it from a professional point of view has helped the transition. The girls, the organization has been great in welcoming me here. Just got me up to speed quickly. I’m just really excited to join the team.”

Building on the same, a reporter asked Lambert, “How does your game, kind of, fit in the system and vice versa?” Being an Indiana player is not easy. You have to be a piece of the puzzle to one of the fastest-paced teams known for its offense and growing defense. Adding to that come the fan expectations and team goals. However, the Texas native did not disappoint. She said, “It fits perfectly as far as running and gunning. Getting the ball out quickly, pressuring on defense, really bringing intensity and physicality.”

The guard stressed that she has been keeping tabs on the league and has done her homework, ready to join hands. It will be exciting to watch the Indiana Fever as they yet again fight to remain resilient.