The Indiana Fever’s regular season is a week away, and the last thing they needed was uncertainty around Caitlin Clark heading into it. Clark played just 13 games in her second year after being hit by a wave of injuries: quad issues early on, two groin strains and eventually a sprained left ankle that ruled her out for the rest of the season.
Entering her third year, she made her first preseason appearance against the New York Liberty on April 25, drawing a warm reception from the home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in what was her first competitive action with the Fever in over nine months.
But fans were dealt a scare during her second preseason game against the Dallas Wings on Thursday. Clark drew a foul while attempting a stepback three-pointer over Wings forward Alanna Smith, came down hard on her right knee and rolled over on the floor in visible discomfort before limping toward the bench.
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She stepped up to take her three free throws and then subbed out, not returning for the remainder of the game as the Wings won 95-80.
Ahead of Saturday’s final preseason game against the Nigerian National Team, Clark provided an update on her knee. She confirmed that there was no overnight swelling and no residual issues. According to IndyStar's Chloe Peterson, there was no wrap on her leg pregame.
This is as good an update as Fever fans could have hoped for. Despite her limited showing last season, Clark averaged 16.5 points and led the team in assists per game (8.8). Against Dallas on Thursday, she gave fans a proper glimpse of what she is capable of when healthy, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 21 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while adding four assists and two rebounds in 16 minutes.
With the regular season opener against the Wings scheduled for May 9, Clark being healthy is the best news the Fever could ask for.
