Caitlin Clark may not have stepped back onto theIndiana Fever court for a full practice yet, but her presence at Sunday’s shootaround provided a promising sign for the team and fans alike.
Clark joined her teammates for light drills ahead of the Fever‘s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx.
Despite the Fever losing the game with 84 points to the Lynx‘s 97, the sight of Clark with her teammates signalled hope for the team’s playoff prospects.
While Clark‘s participation was limited, it marked the first time she had been involved in on-court activity since her injury.
The star guard has been out of commission since July 15, battling a groin injury that caused her to miss playing in the All-Star game, although she fulfilled her captain’s duties from the sidelines.
Head coach Stephanie White emphasized that Clark has not returned to full practice but framed her involvement in shootaround as a meaningful development.
“It was a good step because she got out there on the floor with us for the first time, part of the sort of return to activity thing,” White told the Indy Star.
White stressed that the work was intentionally minimal. “Her role was very low, low-maintenance and low intensity,” White said. “I think just getting her back out there, getting her comfortable, and see where she goes.”
Clark engaged in non-contact drills following dynamic warmups, with the focus squarely on avoiding further strain to her recovering groin. The step comes as the Fever approaches the final stretch of the regular season with a tight playoff race looming.
Fever chase playoff stability as Clark progresses
Indiana currently holds a 19-17 record, securing the No. 6 seed in the WNBA standings.
With only the top eight teams advancing to the postseason, every remaining game carries significant weight. Clark‘s potential return is pivotal, especially given the team’s depleted backcourt.
Recent weeks have been difficult for the Fever, with injuries removing multiple key players from the rotation. Sophie Cunningham, who emerged as a rising star for the team, suffered a torn MCL during a game against the Connecticut Sun on August 17.
Guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald are also out for the season, sidelined by a torn ACL and a fractured foot, respectively.
With three of their primary guards unavailable, the Fever‘s need for Clark to return at full strength is undeniable. Her skill set and leadership could be instrumental in keeping Indiana competitive in the postseason.
Clark‘s season has already been hampered by multiple injuries. She also sustained a bone bruise in her left ankle on August 7 and earlier dealt with a quad strain.
Despite the setbacks, Clark‘s presence at shootaround represents a step toward the kind of return the Fever desperately needs. White and the team are approaching her comeback cautiously, prioritizing recovery over immediate reintegration.
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