Caitlin Clark’s injuries truly set her back this season, and now, she’s sidelined for the third time due to her groin injury. Luckily, she found a supporter in Sabrina Ionescu, who gave the Indiana Fever star a motivational message using her experiences from her past injuries.
Post-game, Ionescu was blunt when reporters asked her what advice her 2021 version would give to today’s Caitlin Clark. The NY Liberty star had her own battles against injuries, most notably when she injured her left ankle during her rookie season, which made her miss many games.
“That’s actually something that I told her,” Ionescu said. “I mean, obviously, completely different injuries, and in terms of how long I was out for. I didn’t really have a rookie year, but I told her I had a similar situation.”
“You sometimes have to almost go through it to be able to understand what your body needs, and you’re able to understand what you can play through and what you can’t. Just set yourself up with the right team of trainers, training, and knowing what your body needs to get ready. I told her, although it sucks, it’s gonna be a blessing in disguise.”
post game Sabrina was asked: “What can 2021 Sab tell 2025 [Caitlin]Clark?” pic.twitter.com/P62BphYkEg
— lo (@caitscroptop) July 23, 2025
Last May, Caitlin Clark sustained a left quad injury that made her miss five games, affecting the Fever’s early-season run. She returned with a bang after exploding with 32 points against Ionescu’s Liberty. However, just weeks later, Clark got a groin injury, and from that point, she deeply struggled in her explosive shooting, even if she also returned at one point.
Even if the Fever had largely adapted to Caitlin Clark’s injuries, her absence remains a painful factor. Standing at 12-12, their chances of finishing the season with flying colors remain uncertain, and with Clark’s status, their chances of a deep playoff run or a championship are low.
After their loss to the NY Liberty on Monday, Aliyah Boston underscored that the Indiana Fever aren’t dependent on any one player—even a star like Caitlin Clark. Instead, Boston stressed the importance of staying mentally sharp and unified, no matter who’s available on the court. The challenge isn’t just replacing her production but sustaining intensity and connection across the roster.
Boston pointed out that the squad has already built chemistry through lineups that didn’t include Caitlin Clark, and that success will continue to come from trusting each other and the system. The goal is consistency—making every touch count, regardless of who’s running point.
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