This Wednesday marked the long-awaited return of Caitlin Clark after missing five games due to a groin injury – but what was supposed to be a celebration quickly turned into frustration. The Indiana Fever were clearly outmatched by the Golden State Valkyries, who secured a commanding 80-61 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Clark was back in the starting lineup, alongside Aari McDonald and Kelsey Mitchell, as part of coach Stephanie White’s new three-guard experiment. But the lineup didn’t quite click, and the former Iowa standout often found herself playing off the ball. Still, she finished with 10 points, five rebounds, six assists, and four turnovers in 25 minutes of action.
Caitlin Clark kept it real
After the game, Clark spoke with her trademark honesty, and she didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s struggles:
“It all starts on defense. We didn’t do what our coach asked of us,” she said bluntly. “We played with low energy and effort. Those are things that just can’t happen.”
The numbers back her up: Indiana allowed 12 three-pointers, well above Golden State’s usual average of 8.9. The Fever were also out-rebounded by 11, giving up far too many second-chance points. The loss dropped Indiana’s record to 9-10 – a tough blow at a pivotal moment in the season.
A demanding stretch ahead for Indiana
The Fever now face four more games before the WNBA All-Star break – and every one of them will be crucial for their postseason hopes.
Indiana hosts the Atlanta Dream on Friday and the Dallas Wings on Sunday, both must-win games on home court. After that, they’ll hit the road to take on two of the league’s top contenders: the Connecticut Sun and the New York Liberty.
Clark feeling physically strong
Despite the disappointing result, Caitlin Clark emphasized that she’s feeling good physically as she works her way back:
“Physically, I feel pretty good. I just need to keep building my minutes and rhythm,” she said.
Clark is set to headline the WNBA All-Star Game, where she’ll team up with Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell on “Team Clark,” playing at home in Indianapolis.
The Fever have the talent – but as their leader made clear, there’s no room to let up. If Indiana wants to be a serious contender in this ultra-competitive WNBA, they’ll need more energy, more focus… and a Caitlin Clark who refuses to settle.
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