Caitlin Clark was eager to return to the basketball court after a lengthy break due to injuries. The Indiana Fever star showcased her skills during a WNBA preseason game on Saturday, marking her first game in nine months.
In a warm reception from fans, Clark made her presence felt at the start of the Indiana Fever’s 109-91 victory over the New York Liberty. She quickly scored the game’s first basket and then followed up with a trademark step-back 3-pointer. Although her initial shots were on target, she missed the next eight, concluding the game with seven points, four assists, and three rebounds in under 17 minutes of play.
“Honestly, my shot felt really good and I was missing long, which is what you want to see,” Clark shared with The Associated Press post-game. “But it felt good. I felt fast, so that was definitely a positive. I think I struggled in that area last year, but my body felt great. I felt like I was moving well. So overall really happy.”
Reflecting on her return, Clark expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play again. “I think anytime you get to put on your uniform and lace up your shoes you don’t take that for granted, especially after coming off last year when I didn’t get to do that very much,” she said.
Fever coach Stephanie White noticed a change in Clark’s demeanor this preseason. “I think that’s the thing, watching her play with joy,” White remarked. “In practice her energy is different, she’s carrying herself in a different way.”
This wasn’t Clark’s first basketball game since her injury last July. She recently participated in a World Cup qualifying tournament with USA Basketball, where she earned MVP honors. “She was itchy and antsy before training camp started,” White said, adding that Clark’s time with USA Basketball prepared her well for the preseason.
While Clark was on the court, several other Fever players were absent. Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull missed the game due to injuries but were expected to play if it had been a regular-season matchup. Ty Harris and Damiris Dantas were also unavailable.
The Liberty faced similar challenges, with key players like Rebecca Allen, Marine Fauthoux, and Satou Sabally, a prominent offseason acquisition signed as a free agent, missing due to fitness reasons. Other Liberty players were finishing overseas commitments.
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
