Caitlin Clark makes nine-month injury return in Indiana Fever win
Caitlin Clark returned from a nine-month injury absence to help the Indiana Fever secure a 109-91 preseason victory over the New York Liberty on Saturday.
The standout guard finished with seven points, four assists and three rebounds in just under 17 minutes of action.
It marked her first WNBA appearance since a severe injury curtailed her sophomore season after only 13 games.
The former Iowa collegiate star received a rapturous ovation from the crowd during the starting lineup introductions in New York.
Playing with joy after injury nightmare
Clark immediately made her presence felt by scoring the opening basket before sinking her trademark step-back three-pointer moments later.
However, rust naturally showed as the USA international missed her final eight shots from the field.
“This isn’t a real game, I understand that, but that’s how we treat it, like a real game,” said Clark.
“I think anytime you get to put on your uniform and lace up your shoes you don’t take that for granted, especially after coming off last year when I didn’t get to do that very much.”
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White highlighted a noticeable shift in her star player’s demeanour compared to previous campaigns.
“I think that’s the thing, watching her play with joy,” White observed.
“In practice her energy is different, carrying herself in a different way.”
Recent international success and missing stars
While this was her first franchise appearance since last July, the playmaker is not entirely devoid of recent match fitness.
She recently represented USA Basketball in a World Cup qualifying tournament last month, earning Most Valuable Player honours for her performances.
“She was itchy and antsy before training camp started,” added White.
“Glad she had those games with USA Basketball and came into training camp having played.”
Both teams fielded depleted rosters as they manage early-season fitness and wait for overseas commitments to conclude.
Indiana rested key personnel including Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull, who are nursing minor leg and hamstring issues respectively.
Meanwhile, the Liberty were without marquee free-agent signing Satou Sabally alongside several European stars.
