INDIANAPOLIS - The much-anticipated homecoming for Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was cut short Thursday night, as she exited their preseason clash against the Dallas Wings due to an apparent knee injury scare. Clark sustained the injury in the third quarter after a collision during an attempted three-point shot.
Clark left the game after a foul on a three-pointer in the third quarter, which resulted in her landing awkwardly and limping off the court. The team later indicated she avoided serious injury, a point of some relief following the unsettling fall.
Early Exit Overshadows Performance
Clark had returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for her first home game in nine months. Despite the eventual scare, her performance prior to exiting suggested a return to form. She finished the contest with 21 points in 16 minutes of play, a mark that included making two out of three free throws after the foul. The Dallas Wings ultimately took the game 95-80.
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The incident occurred when Clark attempted a step-back jumper over Wings forward Alanna Smith. Smith's foot landed near Clark's, leading to the awkward fall. Officials assessed a Flagrant 1 Foul on the play. Clark remained on the court to shoot her free throws before being substituted out.
Other Performances and Upcoming Schedule
Fellow rookie Raven Johnson continued to impress for the Fever, showcasing strong play in her own right. On the Wings' side, Bueckers led the team with 20 points. Azzi Fudd, in her professional debut, scored 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting.
The Fever have one remaining preseason contest, a matchup against the Nigerian national team on Saturday. Their regular season officially kicks off on May 9th, also against the Dallas Wings, but this time in Dallas.
