Star Player's Game Cut Short by Lingering Back Issues
Early Departure: Clark's Mid-Game Exit
During Wednesday's matchup, Caitlin Clark, a key figure for the Indiana Fever, had to withdraw from the game in the third quarter. Her departure was necessitated by a back injury, leading to her being sidelined for the remainder of the contest.
Performance Before Injury: A Strong Showing
Before leaving the court with 5:15 remaining in the third frame, Clark had contributed significantly, accumulating 19 points and dishing out 8 assists in just 20 minutes of play. Her early exit unfortunately brought an end to an impressive WNBA record of six consecutive games where she had achieved at least 20 points and five assists.
Chronic Condition: A History of Back Troubles
This incident is not isolated, as Clark, a two-time All-Star, has previously missed a game this season due to a back problem—specifically, a 90-73 victory over the Portland Fire on May 20. Following that, she has consistently appeared on the Fever's injury report, often listed as probable, for the subsequent 13 games due to her recurring back issue. Furthermore, she temporarily left the season's opening game multiple times, later revealing she was undergoing adjustments for the same ailment.
