Before the Indiana Fever’s preseason game against the Dallas Wings on Thursday, rookie guard Raven Johnson shared her budding friendship with Caitlin Clark.
There was skepticism from the Fever fanbase after Johnson was drafted 10th overall due to her history with Clark. They also play the same position, so the rookie is unlikely to be part of the starting lineup this season.
However, Johnson has performed admirably well in her first two preseason games. She had six points, three rebounds, eight assists, one steal and two blocks in Indiana’s 109-91 win over the New York Liberty.
She followed it up with three points, five rebounds and five steals in the Fever’s 95-80 loss to the Wings.
Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson Bonding During Preseason
GettyRaven Johnson #3 of the Indiana Fever pose for a photo during the 2026 Indiana Fever Media Day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Despite the documented history between Clark and Johnson dating back to 2024, things have gone smoothly during the Fever’s training camp and preparation for the 2026 WNBA season.
Speaking to reporters before Thursday’s tip-off, Johnson opened up about how her and Clark put their differences aside for one major goal.
“I put the past in the past,” Johnson said. “When I put the Indiana Fever jersey on, I said, ‘Let’s try to win a championship together.’ I think with her, that’s all she talks about is winning, pro habits, that little margin for room for error, it’s very small when it comes to the final games.
“She’s loving. She’s a goofy person. I think a lot of people don’t really know her outside of basketball. …”
“When I put the Indiana Fever jersey on, I said, ‘Let’s try to win a championship together.’ …”
The rookie added, “She talks a lot about that. I’ve just been telling her, ‘I wanna do whatever it takes to win. I want to win a championship.’ It’s a big goal for me and my teammates.”
Johnson has a winning mentality and championship defense. She helped South Carolina win two NCAA titles in 2022 and 2024.
Caitlin Clark on Being a Mentor to Raven Johnson
GettyCaitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever plays against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Since training camp started, Johnson has always raved about being able to ask countless of questions to her Fever teammates. She particularly mentioned Clark as one of those who always answer her questions, which is important since they play the same position.
In her postgame media availability on Thursday, Clark had nothing but praise for Johnson’s thirst to learn. She has turned into a sort of mentor for the rookie, though she’s also trying to learn from Johnson as well.
“The best way to learn is to ask questions,” Clark said, via Athlon Sports. “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.”
Coach Stephanie White also told reporters that she will try to find minutes for Johnson in the rotation for the upcoming season.
Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson Bonds Over Major Goal