Caitlin Clark endured a complicated second season in the WNBA, to say the least. Injuries caught up with her toward the end of the campaign, ultimately keeping her from the chance to join her Indiana Fever teammates on the court during the postseason.
She had to settle for supporting from the bench as her teammates fought their way to the semifinals, where they eventually fell to the team that would go on to become champions, the Las Vegas Aces.
Despite the odds, the Fever pushed the eventual champions harder than many expected. The team was dealing with what was practically a hospital at home, with several players sidelined by injuries.
With Clark in that same situation, the only option was to dedicate herself fully to rehabilitation to return stronger.
And that is exactly what happened. Clark had not played since August, and now that she is part of Team USA in the tournament that will determine the next FIBA championship contender, she has shown that her talent remains intact.
In the opening game against Senegal, she looked dominant and confident.
But in her second appearance, against Puerto Rico, the challenge demanded greater physical effort, yet she still made it clear that she has returned with all her abilities.
That reality did not go unnoticed by teammates, fans, or by Indiana head coach Stephanie White, who has not held back in praising her player.
Stephanie White knew her player would return stronger
The Indiana Fever coach, who is currently serving as an assistant with Team USA, did not hesitate to praise Clark now that both are part of the national squad.
White said during an appearance on Pacers Live Pregame.
The coach also admitted there were concerns after so many months away from elite competition, but none of those doubts appeared in Clark’s first two games of the tournament in Puerto Rico.
I thought she shot the ball well in game one, I didn’t feel like she rushed. I was concerned about her having some nerves. It had been a minute since she’d been on the floor, and I thought she was really good. I thought she was good on the defensive end of the floor as well.
The next challenge for the United States will come this Saturday, March 14, 2026, against Italy in the FIBA qualifying tournament match.
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