Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark returned to the team after missing the last five games due to a quad strain.
Caitlin Clark, Fever Deal Defending Champion Liberty First Loss
Clark and the Indiana Fever delivered the New York Liberty their first loss of the season, 102-88. The Fever have high hopes of contending for a championship despite having a .500 record through the first ten games. Although early in the season, Clark is a top Most Valuable Player candidate, alongside Napheesa Collier.
In addition, Clark and the Fever are in the driver’s seat for a spot representing the Eastern Conference in this year’s Commissioner’s Cup Final, set for July 1. Indiana will face the Connecticut Sun at home on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a team they previously defeated earlier this season without Caitlin Clark on the floor.
Caitlin Clark went off in her return 🔥
32 Points (25 1st half)
7/14 Threes (game high)
9 Assists (game high)
8 Rebounds
2 Blocks
14-Point Win vs NYpic.twitter.com/QKZNLEtzkO
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 14, 2025
Clark immediately made an impact in her first game back, scoring nine points on three consecutive logo-range three-pointers in under 45 seconds. She finished with 32 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in the victory.
Clark’s return energized fans worldwide, resulting in increased viewership on ABC’s streaming service for Saturday’s game. Let’s highlight the Caitlin Clark effect—the clash between the Liberty and Fever drew a peak of 2.8 million viewers.
“I saw three in a row go in, so that gives you a lot of confidence,” Clark said postgame. “Even in the second half, they all came off my hand feeling really good.”
Clark shared that she felt optimistic during her first game back with the Fever, attributing her successful return to the support of Indiana’s medical staff. The team also recognized her absence, noting that they struggled with a 2-3 record in the five game without Clark.
Clark’s leadership is evident to the Fever, as she accounted for 54 of Indiana’s 102 points through her scoring and assists.
“My legs felt really strong. I felt in good shape,” Caitlin Clark said. “A lot of that is credit to our medical team. They have kept me in shape. Now for me, it’s just how I recover, especially with the schedule that we have coming up.”
Stephanie White Fired Up About Caitlin Clark’s Return
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White is delighted to see Clark return to the court. As the team’s leader in points and assists, Clark is a valuable asset to their success.
“Don’t we always expect that kind of game from Caitlin (Clark)?” White said. “I knew her adrenaline was going to be high to start. She’s been itching to get back out there. [Her scoring] carried us in the first half, and then everybody else carried us in the second half. Her decision-making was outstanding. She did a really good job of getting everybody involved, and that’s what she does.”
Saturday’s highlights include the Fever’s remarkable 25-3 run in the third quarter, fueled by their three-point shooting and strong defensive efforts. Additionally, Indiana set a new franchise record by making 17 three-pointers.
Additionally, Fever guards Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell each made three 3-pointers, combining for a total of 36 points. Veteran guard Sydney Colson provided valuable support off the bench, hitting two clutch threes. Indiana’s depth will continue to benefit the Fever, especially with the bench averaging over 20 points per game for Coach White.
“It’s big for us, not just to win, but handling the runs,” White said. “We had to use some early timeouts so we didn’t have as many in the second half, and we handled that run in the third quarter. They were able to come together on the floor and problem-solve. And oftentimes, that’s what it is, it’s problem-solving in real time. I felt like they were able to do that.”
The Indiana Fever will look to close out the Commissioner’s Cup with a win and secure a berth in the final as they face the Connecticut Sun at home on Tuesday
