Caitlin Clark returned from a three-week injury layoff with a dominant performance, scoring 32 points, dishing out nine assists, and grabbing eight rebounds to lead the Indiana Fever to a 102-88 victory over the previously undefeated New York Liberty. This marked the end of the Liberty’s perfect season.
Clark, who had been sidelined for five games after sustaining a quad injury against the Liberty team three weeks ago, came back with a vengeance. Her return was a masterclass in offensive firepower, as she showcased her elite shooting ability, hitting six of her first nine three-pointers and dropping a career-high 25 points in the first half. The Liberty, who had entered the game with a flawless 9-0 record, were outmatched by Clark’s explosive return, which saw them fall to 9-1 on the season.
The Fever’s victory also marked a significant milestone for the team, who had previously lost two games with Clark sidelined and are now 3-2 with her on the floor. Those two losses have come by a combined three points, indicating the team’s improved performance with Clark’s presence on the court. The win set the stage for an exciting matchup against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, as the Fever continue their push for a playoff spot.
While Clark’s performance was the headline, the Fever’s bench also contributed significantly to the win. Lexie Hull, Damiris Dantas, Sydney Colson, and Sophie Cunningham combined to knock down seven of 11 three-pointers, with Sophie Cunningham going 3-for-10 from deep. The Fever drained 17 three-pointers in the game, a franchise record, and Clark’s seven three-pointers tied a career high.
Despite not being able to continue her hot first-half shooting in the second half, Clark’s performance was instrumental in the Fever’s victory. She finished with 32 points, the second-most she’s had in a WNBA game, and was one assist away from a double-double. Her eight rebounds further highlighted her all-around impact on the game.
With the Liberty’s undefeated streak broken, the WNBA season is now in full swing, with teams set to face off in a series of high-stakes matches. The Fever’s win is a testament to Clark’s ability to lead her team to victory, even in the face of adversity. As the season progresses, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Fever continue to perform with Clark’s presence on the court.