Indiana Fever Ends New York Liberty Perfect WNBA Season

Caitlin Clark made a highly impactful return to the Indiana Fever lineup after a five-game absence due to a left quad strain, leading the team to a 102-88 victory over the previously undefeated New York Liberty. Despite speculation about a minutes restriction to ease her back into competition, Clark rejected the idea, calling such restrictions "silly" and emphasizing her intention to play at full effort, albeit in shorter bursts to manage freshness. Head coach Stephanie White implemented a strategic staggering of Clark's minutes, which helped maintain her effectiveness and allowed other players like Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull to find their rhythm, contributing to the team’s overall success. Clark’s performance included 32 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, showcasing her scoring and playmaking ability, including seven three-pointers and a career-high 25 points in the first half. Her return marked a significant boost for the Fever, who had struggled without her presence, and demonstrated their potential to compete at a higher level with her back on the court. The victory also exposed concerns about scoring inside the paint, especially with key players Jonquel Jones and DeWanna Bonner sidelined, but overall signaled a promising outlook for the Fever moving forward.