Clark’s honest comeback confession.
Caitlin Clark Makes Honest Admission on Mental Challenge Before Fever Return originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Indiana Fever star point guard Caitlin Clark has now missed 10 of Indiana’s 19 games.
A left quadriceps strain sidelined her for five games in late May and early June, and a lingering left groin issue then cost her another five contests.
The Fever went 3-2 in Clark's recent absence, including winning the WNBA Commissioner's Cup over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, followed up by a commanding 81-54 victory over the Las Vegas Aces two days later.
On Tuesday, however, one day before tipoff against the Golden State Valkyries, Clark addressed the media, saying she expects to return for Wednesday's contest.
A reporter asked, "Given that you never really missed time, has this been one of the more difficult stretches of your playing career?"
Clark replied, "For sure, no doubt about it. I think it’s been challenging mentally, just staying in it...I've been here hours and hours and hours trying to get my body right and do everything I can to put myself in a position to be available the rest of the year."
"I think when we get to the end of the year and get here in the playoffs, I think this is gonna be a moment where I can look back on and be really proud of myself for everything that I went through and how I’ve dealt with it."
caitlin on missing time due to injury:
— cc akgae (@clrkszn) July 8, 2025
“it’s been challenging mentally—you’re more busy when you’re hurt—i’m here for hours and hours trying to get my body right and be available—i think when we get to the end of the year this is gonna be a moment i can be proud of myself for.” pic.twitter.com/TcV03SNrhm
In nine games this season, Clark put up 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per outing, ranking among the top playmakers in the league.
She’ll also serve as a starter and captain for Team Clark in the upcoming All-Star Game, playing alongside fellow Fever All-Stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.
The Fever enter Wednesday’s home game against the Valkyries sitting at .500 with a 9-9 record, good for third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Through 18 games, Stephanie White’s squad averaged 84.1 points per contest (ranked fifth in the league) while allowing 79.1 points (fourth).
Related: Lexie Hull Shares Honest Take on Playing Without Caitlin Clark
Related: New DeWanna Bonner Update Emerges After Release From Indiana Fever
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
