Caitlin Clark wrapped up her practice session on Friday in Indianapolis with a spectacular halfcourt shot, earning herself some extra lunch money in the process. The Indiana Fever star appears poised to make a return to the lineup when her team takes on the reigning WNBA champions, New York Liberty, Saturday afternoon. Clark, who has been sidelined due to a quadriceps injury, missed the past five games. However, according to Fever coach Stephanie White, as long as there aren’t any last-minute complications, Clark should be ready to compete.
Making her return to practice this week, Clark’s comeback game is shaping up to be significant as it will be broadcasted nationally. The Fever’s opponent, the Liberty, remain the only undefeated team in the league this season, boasting a 9-0 record with an average win margin of 19 points. Clark expressed her excitement about returning, explaining that the recovery process had been a challenge. She detailed the hurdles of transitioning from feeling physically well to actively participating with her teammates again.
The highlight of Clark’s practice, a halfcourt shot, was part of a fun competition. Despite not often winning these friendly shootouts, Clark delightfully waved around the dollars she had won, humorously reminding everyone of her shooting range. Over the course of her absence, the Fever managed a 2-3 record, with Clark achieving an impressive average of 19 points, 9.3 assists, six rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game prior to her injury. To date, no player in the league’s history has maintained such numbers across a season.
Clark admits patience is not her strongest attribute but acknowledged the necessity of a cautious rehabilitation process. Her recovery involved an array of treatments, from massages to weights and hyperbaric therapy, which taught her valuable lessons for future instances in her career. Clark expressed her eagerness to return to the court, acknowledging it may take some time to shake off the rust.
Clark’s return coincides with a vibrant period for basketball in Indianapolis, as the Indiana Pacers are also making headlines in the NBA Finals, holding a lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Along with fellow Fever players, Clark attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse earlier in the week, energizing the local basketball scene. Despite an early game the following day, Clark and some teammates intend to catch a portion of Game 4 on Friday night.
Coach White remarked on the heightened basketball enthusiasm in Indianapolis, describing it as an exhilarating time for the city. In addition to Clark, the Fever are also anticipating the return of guard Sophie Cunningham, who has been averaging 6.5 points in her four appearances this season. White noted that reintegrating key players like Clark and Cunningham into the system feels akin to starting anew, bringing both challenges and opportunities for the team.