It took a while, but Caitlin Clark seemed to be finding her groove in the WNBA once again. After missing a majority of her sophomore campaign with a groin injury, it took a bit for her to settle down with the Indiana Fever.
But over the last few games, she was starting to look like the best version of herself. A similar story was unfolding against the Phoenix Mercury before she had to leave the game with another injury. Given her history, there was immediate concern across social media about her status.
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Caitlin Clark Injured by Physical Mercury Defense
A game-winner against the Washington Mystics was the turning point of the year for Clark. Starting with an overtime win over the Chicago Sky, where she poured in 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists, the former Rookie of the Year had been on an absolute heater.
Entering the game against the Mercury, she was averaging 25.6 points and 8.6 assists over her last six games. It seemed like a similar story would follow, as Clark quickly added 19 points and 8 assists in the span of just 20 minutes on the court.
However, Phoenix had a decided game plan of being extremely physical with the former All-Star. That focus shone through during her drives to the basket and occasionally, on the perimeter as well.
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It was one such attempt, as she tried to knock down a 3-pointer that spelled her demise. Forced to a hard closeout, she got no landing space, landing on her back, with an injury that ruled her out for the remainder of the game.
Clutch Points quickly noted, “Caitlin Clark was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a back injury, the Fever announced. She grabbed her back after this closeout, which was not ruled a flagrant foul. Praying she is ok.”
Soon, the Fever confirmed her injury and status for the rest of the game. One fan immediately sent well wishes her way. “Praying for Caitlin’s mental and physical health and hoping we’ll see her back on the court this season soon.”
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The exact extent of the injury remains unknown, but a large portion of the blame fell on the league itself. As one fan consoled Clark, “@CaitlinClark22, you are strong, and your body will recover quickly. Take care of yourself.” They also had some brutal words for the WNBA.
“@WNBA can you please look at how she may have gotten hurt bc there were some things that happened in this game that seemed rather UNSAFE.” However, it wasn’t just people on social media who took issue with the physicality against Clark.
Her coach, Stephanie White, did not mince words about the situation. After the game, she exploded, “Because they were so egregious. I mean, the fist in the throat is crazy. It’s crazy. It’s dangerous.”
A former All-Star like Stacey Dales, too, agreed with White, writing, “This. Tonight was a pivotal moment in Caitlin Clark’s season and career. It’s time the league takes notice and adjusts. It impacts a franchise.”
USA Today author Christine Brennan was beside herself, claiming, “Three seasons into the Caitlin Clark era, the WNBA remains utterly unwilling to meet the moment.” She then added another soundbite from White about the injury.
“Coach Stephanie White: ‘We have a generational talent and a WNBA superstar who had two cheap shots right there that weren’t called. And I just say again, ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.’”
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It remains to be seen if the cry across social media impacts the way Clark is officiated moving forward. But for the time being, she is going to have to recover from her back injury, with the Fever in danger of dropping their grip on the three-seed in the Eastern Conference.
