Caitlin Clark erupts for 32 points in injury return as Fever hand Liberty first loss of season
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.INDIANAPOLIS — Coach Stephanie White offered some advice to Caitlin Clark ahead of the Fever star’s return Saturday after an injury sidelined her for three weeks.“Give yourself grace,” she said.
“It might take some time to find your groove.”White must’ve forgotten who she was talking to.Saturday might have been the first time in Clark’s college and young professional career that she came back from an injury absence, but she looked like she was in midseason form.By midway through the second quarter, Clark had drained five 3s and was up to 20 points.She also had four rebounds, three assists and a technical foul after getting feisty with an official over a non-call.Clark’s 32-point masterpiece helped the Fever become the first team to knock off the defending champions as they beat the Liberty 102-88.As aggressive as she was and as determined as she was, Clark was clearly on a mission.The last time the Liberty played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to squeeze out a two-point win.
Clark was stopped on the final play by Natasha Cloud.Some controversy was stirred up postgame, with the Fever saying Clark was fouled.Cloud, though, said it was all ball.When the previous meeting’s ending was brought up pregame, Clark briefly smiled.“It’s another really good opportunity for us to come out here and prove we belong with the best,” Clark said.“This is the reigning champs, and this is the standard in the league.
Everyone knows that they’re really good.”The Fever reminded everyone that they’re also really good with a healthy Clark.Indiana also welcomed back Sophie Cunningham, who had missed a few games with an ankle injury.Still, the Fever aren’t quite at full strength, with DeWanna Bonner away from the team for an undisclosed personal reason.It didn’t...