Caitlin Clark Talks Injury Return, Status After Fever's Season-Opening Loss to Bueckers, Wings

Even though Caitlin Clark's first official game in 10 months didn't produce a win, she came out of it feeling good physically.

Following the Indiana Fever's 107-104 loss to the Dallas Wings, Clark told reporters she did go into the tunnel a few times during the game to get "my back adjusted" because it can get out of line quickly, but "other than that, I feel great."

Fever head coach Stephanie White also confirmed there were no issues with Clark throughout the game.

"I feel good," Clark added. "Started off a little slow, I think just the anxiety of the first game, trying to work through that. But overall, I felt good, felt fast out there. Felt like I was literally a couple buckets away from putting together a really, really good game and helping us win."

Wings-Fever Highlights

01:57

Clark missed the final 30 games last year between the regular season and playoffs because of a groin injury. She also missed five games earlier in the year due to a quadriceps injury.

The last appearance for Clark in a regular-season game prior to Saturday's opener was July 15, 2025.

Despite the concerns about her going to the tunnel, Clark's 31 minutes played were the second-most for any player in the game. Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 33 minutes.

Clark did show some signs of rust after the long layoff. She scored 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting (2-of-9 from three) with seven assists, five rebounds and five turnovers.

The Fever had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but Clark couldn't get her three-point attempt to fall with 7.1 seconds remaining. Mitchell also had look from behind the arc as time ran out that missed.

One encouraging sign is that Indiana's offense, despite Clark not being at her best, put up 104 points and shot 52 percent from the field. The team only reached the 104-point mark one time last season.

Clark making it through the game is a good step for her after playing a total of 45 minutes in three preseason games.

The Fever have three days off before their next game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, followed by a four-game homestand that will begin on May 15 against the Washington Mystics.