Yardbarker
x
Stephanie White Addresses Caitlin Clark Incident in Fever Loss
Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK; Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Stephanie White Addresses Caitlin Clark Incident in Fever Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Paolo Songco  |  Last updated May 1, 2026 9:33 AM ET
Google Add us as a preferred source on Google

Caitlin Clark and head coach Stephanie White addressed a tense moment Thursday against the Dallas Wings. 

Clark figured in a collision that left Indiana Fever fans holding their breath. In the third quarter, Wings forward Alanna Smith committed a flagrant foul on the Indiana superstar. The contact came on an attempted three-pointer. 

Clark appeared fine, but White opted to err on the side of caution. She kept Clark out for the rest of the contest. Clark played 16 minutes and finished with 21 points. She shot 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from three.  The two-time All-Star added four assists and two rebounds. 

The Fever fell 95-80 as Paige Bueckers led the Wings with 20 points. 

Postgame, White spoke on Clark's condition as the May 9 opener draws near. 

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts during the first half against the New York Liberty.John Jones-Imagn Images

One of the biggest storylines of the 2026 WNBA season is Clark's return to full health. Her second year was marred by injury, limiting her to just 13 games. 

Clark erased doubts about her form at the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament in March, winning tournament MVP. 

The 24-year-old was playing well against the Wings before the incident with Smith. White was asked by reporters whether her star player was hurt or would miss time.

"No, I don't think so," White assured fans, per Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star.

White noted that taking Clark out around that juncture of the game was already predetermined. 

"We had planned for her to come out about that time anyway, so it was just extra precaution," added the Fever coach.

Clark reinforced the message in her own postgame interview. "I feel good," she said. 

Clark averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds last season. With their best player at full health, a reinvigorated Fever have plenty to look forward to this season. 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA.