Caitlin Clark finally returned to game action after a long absence from the court. In what was a win for her Indiana Fever over the New York Liberty in their first preseason game, Stephanie White highlighted the difference it makes when their star is on the floor.
“She was good,” the head coach said, according to Robin Lundberg. “You know, I think we play differently when she’s on the floor. And so again, learning how to to play with her in the action. I thought she was good, I thought she didn’t force anything, she played with great intention, and everything that she did was in the flow.”
Clark finished the game with 17 minutes played, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block in a 109–91 victory. Slowly but surely, one of the biggest stars in the WNBA is getting back into form, which is very good news for the Fever.
Boosting Caitlin Clark’s shooting
Caitlin Clark has been slowly recovering from her groin injury, which limited her to just 13 games last season. Getting back into rhythm is not easy, so the head coach will need to maximize her abilities to help her star rediscover her characteristic shooting touch on the court.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever.
“She was communicating at a high level. I mean, if we’re talking about the shot making, like, that’s going to come, they play her differently in the W than they do in international basketball, and so we’ve just got to find ways to free her up, to get her some easy looks,” White said.
Throughout the game, Caitlin Clark attempted 10 field goals, making only 2. Her efficiency was well below her usual level, but it should be taken into account that her last game with the team came in July 2025.
Indiana Fever’s upcoming games
The Indiana Fever are currently in the midst of their 2026 preparations, having already kicked off the preseason yesterday. Their exhibition slate continues this week as they host the Dallas Wings on Thursday, April 30, followed by a special matchup against the Nigeria National Team on May 2.
The regular season officially tips off on Saturday, May 9, with a highly anticipated home opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Dallas Wings. This game is set to be a major highlight of the WNBA’s 30th anniversary season, potentially featuring the last four No. 1 overall draft picks on the same court.
