Valkyries President Sends Message After Spoiling Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 5:24 PM ET

Indiana Fever All-Star guard Caitlin Clark returned to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The 23-year-old got off to a somewhat fast start by scoring five points in the first quarter after missing five games with a groin injury. She cooled down in the second quarter as she could not get either of her two shot attempts to fall, while her team was outscored 20-9 in the second quarter.

The same could be for the second half as she struggled and scored five more points to end with 10 against the Valkyries, who defeated the Fever 80-61. Clark also had five rebounds and six assists, but had four turnovers within 27 minutes of playing time.

She only made two of her five three-point attempts, but her team ended with a 22.2% three-point percentage compared to the Valkyrie's 37.5%. Golden State also made 37.1% of its field goals compared to Indiana's 30.9%.

Valkyries guard Veronica Burton ended with 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists while forward Kayla Thornton scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Furthermore, Golden State’s president of basketball operations, Jess Smith reacted to her team's triumph on X.

“LETS GOOOOOO! How’s that to start our day, @valkyries fam?!” Smith wrote.

LETS GOOOOOO! How's that to start our day, @valkyries fam?!
— Jess Smith (@gametimejess) July 9, 2025

Following the loss, Indiana has a 9-10 record, while Golden State is 10-9. The Fever could snap their two-game losing streak by defeating the Atlanta Dream on Friday.

On the other hand, the Valkyries could mount a two-game winning streak if they defeat the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday.

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

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