Caitlin Clark returns to the court for the Indiana Fever after 9 months out
Caitlin Clark was excited to get back on the court Saturday and play in a WNBA game, even if it was just the preseason. Indiana's star played in her first game for the Fever in nine months after injuries derailed her second season, limiting her to 13 games. “This isn't a real game, I understand that, but that's how we treat it like a real game," Clark said before the Fever faced the New York Liberty.
NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark was excited to get back on the court Saturday and play in a WNBA game , even if it was just the preseason. Indiana's star played in her first game for the Fever in nine months after injuries derailed her second season, limiting her to 13 games. “This isn't a real game, I understand that, but that's how we treat it like a real game," Clark said before the Fever faced the New York Liberty.
“I think anytime you get to put on your uniform and lace up your shoes you don’t take that for granted, especially after coming off last year when I didn't get to do that very much. ” Clark said she had some nerves and only expected to play about 20-25 minutes. “Get out there, run around, you know, it’s going to be a little sloppy for both teams,” she said.
“That’s kind of what preseason games are. ” Fever coach Stephanie White noticed a difference in Clark this preseason as opposed to her first two in the league. “I think that’s the thing, watching her play with joy," White said.
“In practice her energy is different, carrying herself in a different way. ” This wasn't Clark's first basketball game since suffering a season-ending injury last July. She played for USA Basketball in a World Cup qualifying tournament last month and earned Most Valuable Player honors.