SouthernWorldwide.com – Caitlin Clark’s participation in Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury was cut short as the Indiana Fever guard exited the court before the start of the fourth quarter due to a back issue.
The Indiana Fever officially announced Clark was sidelined for the remainder of the game, citing a back issue as the reason for her early departure.
It remains unclear precisely when Clark began experiencing discomfort in her back. However, observations suggest she may have aggravated the issue following a foul in the second quarter. According to reports from the Indianapolis Star, she left the game with just over five minutes left in the third quarter and did not return.
Clark was eventually assisted to the locker room. In her absence, the Phoenix Mercury managed to stage a comeback, narrowly defeating the Indiana Fever with a final score of 111-109. This victory marked only the sixth win for the Mercury this season.
Kelsey Mitchell was the leading scorer for the Fever, contributing 30 points to the team’s effort. However, Kahleah Copper’s impressive 28-point performance was instrumental in securing the win for the Mercury.
The physical nature of the play Clark has encountered has been a recurring topic of discussion since her WNBA debut in 2024. This conversation was reignited during the second quarter when she was fouled while driving to the basket, resulting in a loss of ball control.
Video replays of the incident appeared to show contact near Clark’s groin area from an opposing player’s knee as she fell to the floor. Following this, there seemed to be further contact involving an opponent’s fist and Clark’s throat.
Notably, no foul was called on this particular play. The back issue itself is not a new concern for Clark. She has been listed on Indiana’s injury report on multiple occasions throughout the current season due to this recurring problem.
The Indiana Fever are scheduled to continue their homestand on Saturday with a matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks.
