Caitlin Clark is returning to the Indiana Fever lineup after missing five games due to a quad injury.
On Friday, the Fever announced the star guard’s return as they take on the New York Liberty on Saturday, the same team they faced in Clark’s last game.
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The Fever posted a photo and video of Clark in practice, writing, “She’s back. Caitlin Clark is ready to play against New York.”
The Fever also announced that Sophie Cunningham is available for Saturday after missing three games with an ankle injury.
Indiana and New York squared off on May 24 when Clark sustained the injury in a hotly contested 90-88 loss. The defeat moved Indiana to 2-2; they have gone 2-3 without their star player since.
Speculation about Clark and Cunningham’s returns this weekend first started when Clark and Cunningham were active in practice on Thursday. Fever head coach Stephanie White told reporters that both guards were limited during training but making strides.
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“I mean, I think the biggest thing is just understanding that we have the opportunity to grow through some circumstances that might not be ideal,” White said. “You know, the ball’s getting in other people’s hands outside of Caitlin [Clark], on the floor, and how are we able to get one another in position to be successful? You know, players are getting minutes that might have been limited with both Caitlin and Sophie out.”
When asked what she learned from missing five games and how she feels about returning, Clark said, “I’m excited. It’s definitely been a process. I think the hardest part is when you’re beginning to feel really good and you’re working yourself back into getting up and down and going out there with my teammates.
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“Obviously, that could get a little difficult at the same time when they’re prepping for their games that I know I’m not gonna be available in. The medical team, I have to give them a lot of credit, they did a really good job. Just tried to control my mindset the whole time that I’ve been out and learn from the bench.”
“It was certainly a learning opportunity, and I think it’s gonna benefit me a lot throughout my career,” Clark added. “Just falling back and understanding certain moments like this, but I’m super, super excited. I’m angsty to get out there.”
The Fever have since waived Aari McDonald, who was signed to a hardship contract in Clark’s absence. She averaged 11 points, 1.3 boards and 3.0 assists on 25.3 minutes per game over three contests.
Clark and the Fever hope to bounce back when they rematch the defending WNBA champions, who have yet to lose this season at 9-0. The Liberty and Fever will tip off at 3:00 p.m. ET from Gainbrige Fieldhouse in Indiana on Saturday.