Caitlin Clark’s Back Injury Threatens Fever Season After Close Loss to Struggling Mercury

Caitlin Clark has been listed on the injury report as 'probable' throughout most of this season with back issues.

Caitlin Clark’s Back Injury Threatens Fever Season After Close Loss to Struggling Mercury

Caitlin Clark left game with back injury (Image via FirstSportz)

Last season, injuries stopped Caitlin Clark from showing off her developmental work. Three soft-tissue injuries curtailed her season, and she was forced to call it quits ahead of the playoffs.

The impact of that saw her avoid playing in the second season of Unrivaled, as she prioritized rest and recovery. Then, she slowly began working on her game again, and many felt the worst was over.

When the Iowa native geared up for USA Basketball camp, they received more confirmation that maybe the point guard had overcome her injury concerns.

Winning MVP at the FIBA regional qualifiers added to that belief, and that is why fans flocked to watch her perform in the games so far in her third season in the WNBA.

Sure, there were instances where fans were angry at the Indiana Fever for taking advantage of their passion for the superstar guard and the team. But now, things have gotten worse.

Many fans feared the Iowa Hawkeye great had been injured when Alyssa Thomas stuffed her fist in Clark’s neck. But she walked away from it.

But a while later, the Fever superstar was attempting a three-point shot when the Phoenix Mercury’s Valeriane Ayayi tried to close her down.

The Mercury star might not have intentionally tried to close the space too much, but Caitlin Clark‘s feet landed on hers. As the 24-year-old started to gather herself, she reached out to touch her back.

Clark has been struggling with back issues, and that sight was not good for her team. Eventually, her body language gave away the fact that she was indeed struggling with the pain. Then, she left for the medical room and did not return.

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Caitlin Clark’s back issue could jeopardize Fever’s title hopes

Back issues can be difficult to pinpoint and correct. Just ask Michael Porter Jr., who had to sit out quite a few games to get his back feeling good enough to play.

Caitlin Clark's fans will hope injuries do not curtail her again
Caitlin Clark’s fans will hope injuries do not curtail her again (Image via Hawkeye Wire/X)

The discomfort stops a player from playing to their usual rhythm. The NBA star took a long while to recover, and also needed surgeries to fix something that was beyond what physios could do.

There are three days before the Indiana Fever plays a game. It will be against the short-handed Los Angeles Sparks, who are without Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink.

However, the team just lost to a Phoenix Mercury team that has struggled to win games this season. One can say the previous game’s extracurriculars motivated them to steal this one.

But it is clear that without Caitlin Clark dictating the offense, they struggle. The Mercury closed out this game after the point guard left for the medical room.

If this is the trend going forward, the Fever can forget about contending for a title. Just as they were starting to solve the chemistry issues, Clark’s back has become a major obstacle.

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Caitlin Clark helped her rookie fix her mistake

Since Caitlin Clark has been managing her back for a while, it might not be out of the blue to think that she may return in time to play against the Sparks.

Until there is confirmed news, fans will likely be raging about the ‘dirty’ plays from opponents and how the WNBA has been failing its ‘golden goose.’

She may be fine to resume light practices until then, or even attend film sessions with her teammates. Clark has a habit of making her fellow Fever girls comfortable, as was evident during this game.

The two-time All-Star was seen helping Raven Johnson get her earrings off, and then went on to hand them over to head coach Stephanie White.

The rookie could have done all of this on her own. After all, it was her mistake, forgetting that the WNBA does not allow earrings, bracelets, or jewelry of any kind during a game.

But it shows how much the two are comfortable around each other, something that fans felt would not be possible when Johnson first arrived on the Fever.

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