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May 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark before the game against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena. Mandatory Credit: Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark Los Angeles Crowd Pop Proves Injury Hasn't Dimmed Star Power

Originally posted on Women's Fastbreak on SI
By Grant Young | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 10:15 PM ET

The Indiana Fever are facing the Los Angeles Sparks in California on August 29 in what is a vital game for both teams, given the playoff implications.

The Fever head into Friday's game with a 20-18 record, which gives them the No. 6 seed in the WNBA standings (although the 21-19 Seattle Storm are breathing down their necks). The Sparks, on the other hand, have a 17-19 record and are the league's No. 9 seed, which means they wouldn't make the playoffs if the season ended today.

If there's any good news for the Sparks, it's that they've beaten the Fever in all three games the teams have played to this point; which not only gives them the tiebreaker if they finish with the game record, but suggests Los Angeles simply might have Indiana's number.

Not to mention that Fever star guard Caitlin Clark is still out with a groin injury, which obviously increases the Sparks' chances. Although that doesn't mean Clark's massive fan base isn't showing their star player impressive support.

Los Angeles Crowd Gives Caitlin Clark Loud Welcome Before Fever vs. Sparks

Caitlin Clark has become notorious for attracting record-breaking audiences. And given how gracious she typically is with her time in making sure to interact with these fans, sign autographs, and take photos whenever she's able, fans still come to many of her games despite her being injured because they feel like they still get their money's worth.

This was the game on Friday, as Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena went wild once Clark made an appearance pregame.

X user @ericaf455 posted a video of Clark coming on to the court where the applause for her can be clearly heard, with the caption, "LA is LOUD for Caitlin Clark".

LA is LOUD for Caitlin Clark pic.twitter.com/a8XvNKFVZS
— ericaf455 (@ericaf455) August 30, 2025

The Mirror US Sports' X account posted another video of fans going wild once Clark arrived and began interacing with them, which was captioned, "Despite not playing, Caitlin Clark made sure to take time for the @IndianaFever fans at the @LASparks game".

Despite not playing, Caitlin Clark made sure to take time for the @IndianaFever fans at the @LASparks game pic.twitter.com/ZcXZGX8r85
— Mirror US Sports (@MirrorUSSports) August 30, 2025

As if there was any question that Clark is still women's basketball's biggest star despite not having played since July 17, this reception she received across the country from her home court serves as further proof.

Of course, these fans would rather see Clark on the court. All indications are that No. 22 is progressing in her recovery from her groin injury, and she could be just a few games away from playing.

What's for sure is that the WNBA playoffs will be a lot more exciting — and attract a much larger audience — if Clark is healthy and performing on the floor for the Fever.

This article first appeared on Women's Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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