Caitlin Clark Shrugs Off Ankle Injury Suffered in Fever’s Loss to Sun: ‘I’ll Be Good’

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVMay 21, 2024

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WNBA fans held their collective breath Monday when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark went down with an ankle injury and went to the locker room during her team’s game against the Connecticut Sun, but she eventually returned and wasn’t too concerned after the loss.

She also said the ankle was tight in the morning before the contest but she was able to return to the flow of the game by late in the third quarter after taping it up and starting the second half.

Clark suffered the injury in the second quarter of the 88-84 loss and remained down at first. She eventually limped off and went to the locker room but returned to the bench before halftime and was back on the floor to start the third quarter.

Indiana fell to 0-4 on the young season, but the No. 1 overall pick’s long-term health is far more important than the result of one game.

Once she settled back into the flow of the game, Clark hit an important three-pointer and layup while also assisting a late basket by Aliyah Boston as the two teams went back-and-forth. It was the closest Indiana has come to a win this season, but Tyasha Harris’ free throws with 11 seconds remaining put Connecticut up for good.

Clark finished with 17 points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks on 5-of-11 shooting from the field and 3-of-7 shooting from deep.

While she is still adjusting to the WNBA level, there were times when she seemed more comfortable than her first game when she tallied 10 turnovers. And that additional comfort that comes with experience will surely lead to better individual and team performances.

The Fever were given no favors with their early schedule with the first four games against potential title contenders in the Sun and New York Liberty. They should start to find some wins as the season progresses, especially with easier matchups.

For now, the silver lining from Monday’s game is Clark avoided a significant injury. She will surely be on the floor for Wednesday’s road game against the Seattle Storm.