Caitlin Clark, the standout point guard for the Indiana Fever, has shown encouraging signs of recovery after her groin injury prematurely ended her 2025 WNBA season.
Videos released from Team USA Basketball practice depict Clark back on the court, participating in drills and full-court five-on-five scrimmages, a significant step forward in her rehabilitation.
The footage, shared on the official USA Basketball Twitter account with the caption “Signature @CaitlinClark22,” marks her first visible return to structured basketball since missing the majority of the 2025 campaign.
Clark‘s absence in 2025 was deeply felt by the Fever. She appeared in only 13 games, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists while shooting 27.9% from beyond the arc.
Despite her limited participation, the team reached the conference finals, ultimately falling in five games to the Las Vegas Aces.
Her return at Team USA camp not only represents her physical recovery but also the potential restoration of the playmaking capabilities that made her the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Full-court participation signals major recovery milestone
According to basketball analyst Chloe Peterson, Clark has now progressed to full-court five-on-five practice, a milestone that extends beyond basic conditioning.
This level of involvement indicates that the Fever medical staff has cleared her for competitive action.
Managing groin injuries requires careful oversight, and the fact that she can now participate fully suggests that the rehabilitation program has been effective. It also sets the stage for a strong 2026 season, with Clark expected to resume her central role in Indiana’s offense.
Fans and the broader basketball community have expressed excitement over Clark’s return. Social media reactions highlight the significance of her recovery.
One fan noted, “Caitlin Clark, who missed most of the WNBA season with various injuries, is back to playing full five-on-five at USA Basketball camp,” reflecting the sense of relief that the star guard is returning. Another succinctly wrote, “she’s backkk,” capturing the joy and anticipation of witnessing her playmaking prowess once again.
Clark‘s presence in 2024 dramatically impacted the league; she led the WNBA in assists, earned All-Star honors, and helped increase league viewership and attendance.
Fans’ emotional responses to her return, including statements such as “literally tears in my eyes. I missed seeing her play. Kill it girl”, underscore how much her performance shapes the Fever‘s success and the league’s visibility.
Her return also raises expectations for the 2026 season, as her first-year impact established her as a cornerstone of Indiana’s offensive identity.
The Fever and their fans now look forward to seeing Clark fully integrated into practices and games, with the hope that her recovery will enable her to lead the team to competitive success and maintain her trajectory as one of the WNBA’s brightest stars.
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