The Indiana Fever suffered more than just a close 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty on Sunday—they also lost their star rookie, Caitlin Clark, to injury.
Caitlin Clark reported pain in her left quadriceps following the game, prompting the team to schedule an MRI. The result: the No. 1 overall pick will be sidelined for at least two weeks, marking the first time in her basketball career she’ll miss a game. Clark has never sat out during her collegiate or WNBA career, playing an incredible 183 consecutive games until now.
While the loss is a tough blow, her teammates are rallying behind her. During Monday’s media availability, veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell emphasized the team’s support system. As shared by The Athletic’s James Boyd on X, Mitchell said:
“For us, it’s support system. That shouldn’t change. I think Caitlin knows that she has the ears and eyes on the locker room and the support that she has behind. Whether it’s us or anybody else.”
Mitchell continued:
“And to really take her time and make sure that she’s well enough to be who she need to be for us. Because I want the 100 percent Caitlin.”
A fully healthy Clark has already proven to be a game-changer alongside Mitchell in the Fever’s backcourt. Last season, their chemistry helped secure Indiana’s first playoff berth in years. Mitchell, a two-time WNBA All-Star, averaged a career-best 19.2 points in 2024 with Clark feeding her crisp, timely passes.
Fever head coach Stephanie White echoed Mitchell’s sentiments, stressing the importance of a cautious and smart approach to Caitlin Clark’s recovery.
“Obviously, she’s a competitor and wants to play,” White said. “Everyone wants to watch her play. But for me, it’s maintaining perspective… that we take care of it, don’t over-push, don’t overexert.”
White added:
“Sometimes great players don’t tell you when they’re hurting. I’m glad that she did, because we need to nip this in the bud.”
Caitlin Clark is expected to miss at least four games, with a reassessment scheduled for June 9. During that span, Indiana will face the Washington Mystics (May 29), Connecticut Sun (May 31), Mystics again (June 3), and the much-anticipated rematch with Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky (June 7).
In Clark’s absence, the Fever will lean on Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and DeWanna Bonner to lead the charge. Sophie Cunningham and veteran Sydney Colson, both offseason additions, are also expected to help fill the ball-handling gap until Clark returns.
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