Home/WNBA
feature-image

via Imago

feature-image

via Imago

In the disappointment that Caitlin Clark’s initial injury was, Stephanie White saw an opportunity for growth. The 23-year-old was going to be trained to view with a different lens, a coach’s. And let’s just say Clark has grown to be the #1 mentee. Because Coach Clark at the All-Star aside, what she pulled on the sidelines tonight had Stephanie White written all over it (in bold).

In Indiana Fever HC White’s own words, “Bad officiating is bad officiating.” That was her postgame verdict after the Sun practically tossed Clark across the court during an 88-71 defeat. And it did not change after Indiana’s July 3 showdown with the Aces.

The Fever walked away with an 81-54 blowout win, but the headliner moment was on the sidelines. Caitlin Clark stepped into the role of chief cheerleader while White completely lost it on the officials. With Indiana up by 23 in the final six minutes, the HC stepped up to the nearest official and contested a foul by yelling loudly. She even got T’d (technical foul) up for it. Within microseconds, the Prime Video cameras found Caitlin Clark, grinning ear to ear. She went on to clap for a good five seconds before high-fiving White after that. Once the two sat back down, the broadcast even caught Clark yelling an expletive of her own.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It was a fierce display of competitiveness. Fast-forward two weeks, and tonight felt like déjà vu. Only this time, Caitlin Clark was carrying White’s torch.

AD

In Indiana’s 80-70 second home win vs. the Aces, she didn’t wait for the postgame to make her feelings known. Caitlin Clark straight away blocked the officials’ path to question a whistle. In the call, Lexie Hull appeared to block Jackie Young’s layup with very little brush of contact, and Caitlin Clark did not have it in silence.

Well, that’s Caitlin Clark. The yellow cards and benching have followed her since high school. And now, with a sideline vision and Coach White’s words to fuel her, the voice has only gotten louder. The Fever finished with 16 fouls, 2 technicals included. But if you ask Stephanie White, a few went uncalled against the Aces; one in the fourth quarter, where the commentators believed the head coach “wanted to sub herself in.” But regardless, the whole Fever squad got it done in style.

Kelsey Mitchell led the charge tonight with a game-high 21 points and four assists. While Aliyah Boston notched a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards. Moreover, four Indiana starters finished in double figures. But the real edge came from the defensive end. Indiana held Las Vegas to just two made 3-pointers, that is a season-low for the Aces. Tonight showed that even though this marked the 13th game Caitlin Clark has missed this season due to various injuries, the Fever’s spark hasn’t dimmed.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Caitlin Clark's boldness exactly what the WNBA needs to keep fans on the edge of their seats?

Have an interesting take?

Her first five absences came from a quad strain, followed by a left groin injury that even kept her out of the Commissioner’s Cup Final against Napheesa Collier’s Lynx. Indiana still managed to win that night. However, Collier soon evened the score out at All-Star where the reigning ROTY was out yet again due to a right groin injury.

Clark suffered the setback on July 15, and it has kept her sidelined right through tonight. The bigger question is, will she return anytime soon?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

No Official Word, Only Hints of Caitlin Clark’s Return

Caitlin Clark still doesn’t have a clear timeline for her return after undergoing thorough medical exams. On Thursday, July 24, the Fever released a statement updating fans on her condition. They clarified that while an immediate comeback isn’t likely, the tests confirmed there’s no new damage or additional injuries. The team added, “There is no timetable available for Clark’s return, and no additional details will be provided at this time. Any further updates will be shared as they become available.”

They emphasized that Caitlin Clark will keep working with their medical staff on rehab, prioritizing her long-term health. Before the Fever’s game against the Aces, head coach Stephanie White also acknowledged the relief in knowing “there’s nothing else going on, and no more damage.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What’s interesting is that even with Clark’s return date still uncertain, the Dallas Wings are already prepping for a major turnout when they will host the Fever on August 1. The game will feature the first WNBA matchup between No. 1 picks Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers in Dallas, and the hype is real. To handle the expected rush of fans, the Wings decided to move the game to a larger venue. They swapped their usual 7,000-seat College Park Center for the American Airlines Center. The new venue can hold up to 20,000 and is home to the NBA’s Mavericks and NHL’s Stars.

You can guess that for the Fever supporters, the venue upgrade just amps up the excitement for Clark’s eventual return and her head-to-head with Bueckers on a bigger stage.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Is Caitlin Clark's boldness exactly what the WNBA needs to keep fans on the edge of their seats?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT