Indiana Fever share Caitlin Clark update after preseason loss

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night after a 291-day absence. Fans welcomed the 24-year-old guard with a loud ovation during pregame introductions. However, her long-awaited return was overshadowed by a 95–80 preseason loss to the Dallas Wings.

Clark last played a home game on July 13, and it was also against the Wings. Recurring injuries limited her 2025 season to only 13 total appearances. Upon returning to her home court, the 2024 No. 1 draft pick wasted no time reminding fans of her scoring ability. She scored 14 points in the opening seven minutes, helping Indiana take a 29–25 lead.

However, Clark was forced to exit in the third quarter after being fouled on a three-point attempt by Wings forward Alanna Smith, who was called for a flagrant foul. Clark left the game and sat out the rest of the way.

Indiana Fever share Caitlin Clark highlights after strong return performance

After the game, the Fever quickly shared an Instagram update highlighting Clark’s strong return outing. The post featured a photo of the 6-foot guard in action alongside her final stats from the night.

Clark finished with 21 points, four assists, and two rebounds, displayed in bold on the side of the image. Despite not finishing the game, she still delivered an impressive performance.

“Caitlin Clark in her return to @gainbridgefieldhouse 🔥,” the team wrote in the caption.

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Fever head coach Stephanie White quickly reassured fans that the early exit was “just extra precaution.” She said it also aligned with how Clark’s workload was being managed.

Indiana struggled without Clark on the floor. The team also missed injured starters Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull. Boston missed the game with a lower leg injury. Hull sat out the matchup because of a strained hamstring.

The Fever were outscored 36–17 in the second quarter, which proved costly in the loss. That run gave the visiting Wings a 61–46 lead at halftime. Indiana was unable to overcome the deficit. 

Dallas shot 51% from the field and grabbed significantly more rebounds than the Fever, 45–26. They also outscored Indiana by 20 points in the paint. Even with 22 turnovers, the Wings still won the game.

The Fever secured a 109–91 victory over the New York Liberty in their preseason opener at Barclays Center last Saturday. The matchup marked Clark’s first WNBA action since July.

Now sitting at 1–1, the Fever will wrap up their preseason against the Nigeria National Team on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They will begin their regular season at home against the Wings on May 9. 

The post Indiana Fever share Caitlin Clark update after preseason loss appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/indiana-fever-caitlin-clark-update-preseason-loss/