Caitlin Clark battles injury issues as Fever drop WNBA season opener in narrow loss to Wings

Caitlin Clark battled through injury as the Indiana Fever returned to action on Saturday afternoon.

The season opener, against the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, was billed as a blockbuster game to usher in the WNBA‘s 30th year.

Getty

And it certainly didn’t disappoint.

The two teams were closely matched throughout, with Dallas taking a three-point lead into the final minute.

But despite the Fever threatening a dramatic comeback, the Wings were able to hold on to a 107-104 win as Clark barely missed a three to tie the game in the dying moments.

It was a hugely entertaining opener, only soured by the fact that Indiana’s superstar was forced to make multiple trips to the locker room in the second half, with the broadcast reporting she was receiving treatment.

There was no immediate confirmation on what exact injury issue Clark was dealing with.

Caitlin Clark battles injury in Fever’s opening game

The Wings were on top in the first half, and established a tight, two-point lead by the end of quarter one, as the Fever offered far too many open looks.

That advantage grew in the second quarter, with Dallas up 60-51 at the interval.

Clark, who had not played a regular-season game since July last year due to a string of injuries in her Sophomore year, struggled early.

She had just eight points through the first two quarters, and connected on none of her three 3-point efforts, meaning Indiana had it all to do in the second half.

But with their backs against the wall, the hosts fought back.

Getty

Clark got hot in the third — draining her first couple of threes and adding a few more assists — as Indiana went on to tie the score at 67-67 midway through the quarter.

The superstar guard — who has LeBron James’ blueprint for success — then had to return to the tunnel for treatment, but soon made her way to the bench, where she was seen with a wrap around her lower back.

Amid those injury fears, she checked back in with a few seconds remaining in the third, and provided a highlight moment.

The 2024 Rookie of the Year split four opponents, before driving to the basket to finish strong and pull Indiana level again at 80-80.

With 10 points in the third, she returned to the locker room once more for another round of treatment.

Clark came back out to the floor to feature in the fourth quarter, and was called for what was her third offensive foul early.

The Wings were then able to establish a little daylight, and took a seven-point lead into the final four minutes, as Indiana cooled off.

Despite a huge three from Kelsey Mitchell and an impressive drive to the basket through contact that cut the lead, Dallas were able to hold their advantage and close out a three-point win.

Fever-Wings opener lives up to hype

Clark finished with 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists.

Saturday’s game featured some of the WNBA’s brightest stars, including the four most recent No. 1 overall draft picks.

Getty

Many, though, were fully focused on how Clark and Paige Bueckers would perform, in what has been billed as the WNBA’s new signature rivalry.

For much of the game, it was Bueckers and the Wings on top, and they were able to close out a tough win.

The reigning ROTY finished with 20 points, three rebounds and four assists.

But even as she battled injury, Clark still provided enough spark that will offer the Fever encouragement moving forward.

Stay up to date with the WNBA across all our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET