INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — After a long hiatus, Caitlin Clark returned to her home court, but her anticipated homecoming took an unexpected turn. The Indiana Fever star’s game was interrupted by a troubling incident that had fans holding their breath.
Early in the third quarter against the Dallas Wings, Clark took a hard fall when Dallas forward Alanna Smith collided with her leg. The collision led to a Flagrant 1 foul, and Clark, although shaken, managed to make two free throws before spending the rest of the game on the bench. “I feel good. I just landed on my kneecap really hard,” Clark commented. Despite the setback, she praised the referees for their performance, acknowledging the preseason tendency for more foul calls and suggesting it might enhance the game overall.
The atmosphere in Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric as fans eagerly awaited Clark’s return. Autograph lines were long, and her No. 22 jersey was a popular sight. Even in a preseason matchup, the game attracted attention as it featured the league’s recent Rookie of the Year awardees, including Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings. Clark’s return was long-awaited after a groin injury in July sidelined her for the remainder of the season and the Fever’s playoff run.
Nikki Niccun, a fan attending her first Fever game, expressed excitement despite it being a preseason game, stating, “I’ve seen every one on TV, but this is the first time in person. I know it’s a preseason game, but I’m excited.”
Clark’s performance showed promise as she scored 21 points, including 14 in the first quarter, and contributed four assists, though she also had three turnovers and two rebounds. Her shooting was efficient, hitting 4 of 6 field goals and 11 of 13 free throws in her limited 16 minutes of play.
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White noted the decision to pull Clark was precautionary, aligning with a planned rotation. All-Star center Aliyah Boston was also absent due to a lower leg injury, while guard Kelsey Mitchell added 10 points in her brief stint.
While Clark was a major draw, some fans came to see Paige Bueckers, who delivered a stellar 20-point performance in just 20 minutes. Rookie Azzi Fudd contributed four points, helping the Wings secure a decisive lead with a 22-5 run in the second quarter. The Wings maintained their dominance with a 53-26 lead, not trailing afterward.
The Fever’s performance raises questions about their potential improvement after last season’s struggles. Despite the empty seats, Clark’s fans remain optimistic about the upcoming season. “They’re going to bounce back,” Niccun said. “We’re going to be all right.”
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