Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been forced to sit out several games this season due to nagging injuries, including a left quad strain and a more recent groin issue that has now cost her five straight matchups.
This included a Commissioner’s Cup showdown, leaving coach Stephanie White cautious about rushing her back: “We’re going to be smart, and we’re going to be cautious. We’re going to play the long game and work her back in very intentionally.”
During Clark‘s absence, the Fever have nevertheless shined, capturing the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup and stringing together wins despite missing their star point guard.
That success has invited fresh scrutiny of Clark‘s impact on the floor. With her sidelined, teammates like Kelsey Mitchell, Aari McDonald, and Aliyah Boston have stepped up, showcasing a more balanced attack and a sharpened defensive identity.
Reeve’s return as allstar coach fuels controversy
Having led the Minnesota Lynx to multiple championships and four Coach of the Year awards, Cheryl Reeve is set to helm Clark‘s All-Star squad, prompting curiosity and debate. This marks Reeve’s fifth time coaching in an All-Star setting.
However, her history of critiquing the attention Clark receives, most notably via social media hashtags like #12teams and #theWismorethanoneplayer, and her role in the discussion surrounding Clark‘s omission from Team USA’s 2024 Olympic roster add complexity to the narrative.
Reeve spoke candidly after the Fever‘s Cup win against the Lynx, praising Indiana‘s depth in Clark‘s absence: “I mean, they’re elite in their speed,” she said, referring to guards Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and Kelsey Mitchell.
“They scored 68 points. That’s another time that we’ve given up 68 points, and we lost.”. This external validation, coming from a rival coach, highlights what the Fever have become without their centerpiece.
Yet some fans argue the league should reconsider pairing Clark with Reeve, given the friction, while others feel it’s an excellent opportunity for growth. Calls for a “major All-Star change” in selection or coaching structures have emerged in response to this dynamic.
Even off the court, Clark‘s pull remains undeniable. She topped fan voting for the All-Star Game with a record-setting 1,293,526 votes, surpassing Napheesa Collier‘s 1,176,020, earning her captaincy alongside Collier.
Meanwhile, the Fever have capitalized on Clark‘s popularity, helping drive franchise value to $370 million and league-leading revenue to $32 million in 2024.
Back on court, Clark has still made her mark: she leads the league in assists, shattered rookie three-point and assist records, and averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in her debut season.
But this year, injuries have slowed her momentum: despite averaging 18.2 PPG and 8.9 APG, she’s missed 10 games, five with a quad, five with a groin issue.
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