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Caitlin Clark returns to the court for the Indiana Fever after 9 months out
TL;DR
Caitlin Clark returned to play for the Indiana Fever after a nine-month injury absence, participating in a preseason game against the New York Liberty. She expressed excitement about being back on the court, despite the game not being a regular-season match.
Key points
- Caitlin Clark returned to play for the Indiana Fever after nine months out.
- She played in a preseason game against the New York Liberty.
- Clark expressed excitement about being back on the court.
- Several Fever players were unavailable due to injuries.
- Clark had previously played for USA Basketball before returning.
Caitlin ClarkIndiana FeverNew York LibertyAliyah Boston
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. “She was itchy and antsy before training camp started,” said White, who coached her in USA Basketball as well. “Glad she had those games with USA Basketball and came into training camp having played. Now it's fine tuning.” While Clark played, a few of the Fever's others didn't. Aliyah Boston was out while still recovering from a lower-leg injury. Lexie Hull is also working her way through a hamstring issue. White said both would have played if it was a regular-season game. The Fever were also without Ty Harris (knee) and Damiris Dantas, who is not with the team yet. New York was missing , Marine Fauthoux and , who were out to build their fitness up. Sabally was the biggest offseason acquisition by the Liberty, . , Raquel Carrera, Pauline Astier and Ugonne Onyiah weren't with the Liberty yet as they were finishing up their overseas commitments. \\_ AP WNBA:
Q&A
How long was Caitlin Clark out due to injury?
Caitlin Clark was out for nine months due to injuries that limited her to just 13 games in her second season.
What did Caitlin Clark say about her return to the court?
Caitlin Clark expressed that she was excited to put on her uniform and play again, emphasizing the importance of not taking such moments for granted.
Who else was missing from the Indiana Fever during the preseason game?
The Fever were also without players Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, Ty Harris, and Damiris Dantas due to various injuries and commitments.
