When the Indiana Fever selected Raven Johnson in the WNBA Draft, it reunited two players with a memorable—and controversial—moment from college basketball. But if you're expecting a dramatic sit-down between Caitlin Clark and the rookie guard, you'll be waiting a while.
Johnson, a standout from South Carolina, has publicly shared the emotional toll of the 2023 Final Four, when a camera caught Clark waving her off as she was open for a three-pointer. The moment went viral, and Johnson later revealed that online bullying made her want to quit the sport entirely. “That’s one reason why I hate the internet now. I got bashed, I got bullied. I got called all these things that I wasn’t,” Johnson said. She leaned on her faith and teammates to push through, eventually leading the Gamecocks to an undefeated season and a win over Iowa the following year.
Fast forward to the Fever's media day, and Johnson was asked if she and Clark have ever talked about that incident. Her answer was clear and mature: “No, we haven’t. I think that’s in the past, honestly. We’re teammates now and we have one goal, that’s to win a championship.” She added, “I want to win a championship, and I’m pretty sure that’s her main goal too.”
It’s a refreshing take from a player who could easily dwell on past drama. Instead, Johnson is all-in on the present. The Fever are already building chemistry, and that starts with understanding that the only score that matters is the one on the court.
Fever star Aliyah Boston, who played alongside Johnson at South Carolina, echoed that sentiment on her podcast. “It’s so funny, the fans always have more beef than the players actually do,” Boston said. She emphasized that once players are in the gym, all that outside noise fades. “Everyone has their thoughts, but when you come in, and you’re in the gym and you’re ready to hoop, that’s literally all it is.”
This unity is exactly what Indiana needs as they aim for a title. The Fever already have one of the most electric players in the league in Clark, and adding a fierce competitor like Johnson only strengthens their depth. While fans might speculate about tension, the reality is that these athletes are focused on the bigger picture.
Of course, the WNBA's growing spotlight has brought intense scrutiny, especially around Clark. The league's schedule has sparked debate, but inside the Fever locker room, the vibe is all about teamwork. Johnson’s willingness to let bygones be bygones shows a level of professionalism that bodes well for Indiana's future.
So, will Clark and Johnson ever have that conversation? Probably not, and that’s okay. They don’t need to rehash a moment from two years ago when they’re busy building something new together. As Johnson put it, the past is the past—and the future looks bright in Indiana.
