Clark’s Enthusiastic Return to the Court in WNBA Preseason
NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark returned to the basketball court on Saturday, marking her first appearance in nine months for the Indiana Fever during a WNBA preseason game. Despite the preseason nature of the game, Clark was eager to participate.
After injuries limited her to just 13 games in her second season, Clark was warmly welcomed by fans as she was announced in the starting lineup. The Fever triumphed over the New York Liberty with a score of 109-91. Clark made an early impact, scoring the first basket of the game and later executing a signature step-back 3-pointer. However, following her initial successful shots, she missed her next eight attempts, concluding the game with seven points, four assists, and three rebounds in under 17 minutes of play.
“Honestly, my shot felt really good and I was missing long, which is what you want to see,” Clark expressed to The Associated Press post-game. “But it felt good. I felt fast, so that was definitely a positive. I think I struggled in that area last year, but my body felt great. I felt like I was moving well. So overall really happy.”
Clark emphasized her joy of returning to the game, stating, “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.”
Indiana’s coach, Stephanie White, observed a notable change in Clark’s demeanor this preseason compared to previous years. “I think that’s the thing, watching her play with joy,” White remarked. “In practice her energy is different, she’s carrying herself in a different way.”
Clark’s participation in the preseason wasn’t her first competitive play since her injury last July. She had also played for USA Basketball in a World Cup qualifying tournament the previous month, where she earned Most Valuable Player honors. White, who also coached her during that tournament, noted, “She was itchy and antsy before training camp started. Glad she had those games with USA Basketball and came into training camp having played. … Now it’s fine tuning some of those things. She’s in a great place.”
While Clark made her return, some of her teammates were absent. Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull were sidelined due to injuries but would have played if it were the regular season, according to White. Ty Harris and Damiris Dantas were also unavailable, and several players from the Liberty, including Rebecca Allen and Satou Sabally, were out to improve fitness or complete overseas commitments.
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