Caitlin Clark Ankle Scare in Fever Preseason Game

Caitlin Clark scored 21 points in just 16 minutes before leaving Thursday's preseason game with an ankle scare. This is a concern for the Indiana Fever.
By Newsroom | Basketball, WNBA |

Injury Scare Halts Preseason Debut

Caitlin Clark, the much-discussed star guard for the Indiana Fever, cut short her team's preseason game against the Dallas Wings on Thursday night. The exit came in the third quarter after a collision. Clark was fouled on a 3-point attempt and appeared to roll her ankle, subsequently limping to the bench. She remained in the game long enough to make the ensuing free throws before being substituted out, and did not return.

The incident cast a shadow over what was billed as Clark's first home game in nine months. Despite the scare, reports suggest Clark avoided serious injury. She managed to score 21 points in 16 minutes of play, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, indicating a return to a more familiar performance level. The foul on the play was assessed as a Flagrant 1.

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Clark's Fever homecoming soured by early exit - 1

Rookie Raven Johnson Continues Impressive Run

Amidst the attention on Clark, rookie Raven Johnson also showcased her developing skills. Johnson, who previously logged a strong outing against the Liberty, followed up with another notable performance against the Wings. She managed 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting, including missing her two 3-point attempts, over 16 minutes. While not a breakout scoring night, Johnson's continued presence and contribution are a point of interest as the Fever's regular season approaches.

Azzi Fudd's Professional Debut

The game also marked the professional debut of Azzi Fudd. The former UConn star's first shot attempt was a midrange jumper over Clark. However, Fudd struggled to find a consistent rhythm throughout her appearance, finishing with 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting and failing to connect on any of her 3-point attempts.

Clark's Fever homecoming soured by early exit - 2

Season Ahead and Precedent Concerns

The Indiana Fever have one more preseason game scheduled, facing the Nigerian national team on Saturday, before commencing their regular season on May 9. The game against the Dallas Wings will be their official season opener.

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Clark's history includes a previous setback with a left quad strain during training camp last season, which limited her to 13 games. Reports from past seasons also indicate considerations regarding player departures, with one mention of former player DeWanna Bonner's exit being linked, in part, to the "spotlight" surrounding Clark. Further context on player movements and their motivations remains a recurring theme.

"Caitlin Clark’s first home game in more than nine months was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, she gave the Indiana Fever and fans a scare Thursday night."

Associated Press

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Caitlin Clark leave the Indiana Fever preseason game on Thursday?
Caitlin Clark left the game in the third quarter after she was fouled on a 3-point shot and appeared to roll her ankle. She made her free throws but then limped to the bench and did not return.
Q: Is Caitlin Clark seriously injured after the ankle scare?
Reports suggest that Caitlin Clark avoided serious injury after the incident on Thursday. She was able to make her free throws before leaving the game.
Q: How did Caitlin Clark play before leaving the game?
Before leaving the game due to the ankle scare, Caitlin Clark scored 21 points in 16 minutes. She shot 4-of-6 from the field and made her free throws.
Q: What is next for the Indiana Fever after this preseason game?
The Indiana Fever have one more preseason game against the Nigerian national team on Saturday before starting their regular season on May 9. The game against the Dallas Wings was their official season opener.