A series of injuries to her quadriceps and groin ended Caitlin Clark‘s campaign after only 13 games, turning what began as a season of anticipation into one of perseverance and emotional resolve.
Many expected the Fever to fade without their star guard, but the opposite happened. The team rallied behind its supporting cast, defying expectations to reach the semifinals and capture its first playoff series victory in ten years.
Even sidelined, Clark remained part of that transformation. She was visible on the bench during games, mentoring younger players, huddling with coaches, and providing an energy that teammates later credited as essential.
The Fever‘s run ended just shy of the Finals, but few could deny the pride in what they had accomplished without their cornerstone.
Clark’s recovery and next steps
As the team’s postseason push ended, focus turned back to Clark‘s recovery.
Head coach Christie Sides confirmed that her progress remains steady, and she’s aiming to return to full 5-on-5 practices by late October.
For now, the guard is easing back with 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 workouts, carefully building strength and regaining her rhythm after months away from competition.
The Fever marked her journey with a season retrospective written by Madie Chandler-Donahue, capturing both her highs and the adversity she faced.
The article highlighted the ways Clark‘s impact extended beyond the stat sheet. “Clark earned nearly 1.3 million fan votes to become an All-Star, allowing her to be an All-Star captain for the first time in her career,” it noted.
The review also celebrated her connection with fans off the court, adding, “Clark‘s season remained eventful from the sidelines as Gainbridge Fieldhouse hosted her signature logo launch in late August.
Every fan received a shirt with Clark‘s logo on it.” Before her injury, her scoring and floor vision had already redefined Indiana‘s offense. With her sidelined, the team still proved competitive, suggesting that next season could bring the balance they’ve been searching for: depth and star power in harmony.
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