INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark will miss the remainder of the Indiana Fever’s season due to a proper groin harm.
“I had hoped to share a greater replace, however I can’t be returning to play this season,” Clark stated in an announcement. “I spent hours within the health club day by day with the singular objective of getting again on the market, disenchanted isn’t a large enough phrase to explain how I’m feeling. I need to thank everybody who had my again by way of all of the uncertainty.
“This has been extremely irritating, however even within the unhealthy, there’s good. The way in which the followers continued to point out up for me, and for the Fever, introduced me a lot pleasure and essential perspective. I’m so pleased with how this workforce has solely gotten stronger by way of adversity this yr. Now it’s time to shut out the season and declare our spot within the playoffs.”
Clark was injured late in a July 15 recreation towards the Connecticut Solar, and later sustained a bone bruise. The previous Iowa star averaged 16.5 factors, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 13 video games in her second season within the WNBA.
“Caitlin has labored so arduous all through this time, doing every thing doable to recuperate and return to the court docket however, finally, time just isn’t on our aspect,” Fever COO and GM Amber Cox stated in an announcement. ”Whereas we’ll proceed working with Caitlin and supply her with each useful resource now we have obtainable, there’s not sufficient time left in our season for her to securely return, and her long-term well being and well-being stays our prime precedence. We’re trying ahead to having her again at full power to begin the 2026 season.”
The 2024 Rookie of the 12 months had been making an attempt to get again to assist her workforce attain the postseason for a second straight yr. She participated in full-court drills with out protection throughout a shootaround earlier than the Fever confronted the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night time. Coach Stephanie White stated Thursday at observe that Clark hasn’t executed a lot contact work but.
Indiana is at the moment in eighth place within the standings, 1 1/2 video games in entrance of Los Angeles with three video games to play.
It has been a tough season for Clark, who additionally handled accidents to her left quad and left groin. This was the primary time she’s had harm points. She by no means missed a recreation in her collegiate profession at Iowa or her first yr within the WNBA.
“Minor setback for a MAJOR COMEBACK!! Relaxation up, get wholesome and be YOU!” NBA star LeBron James stated on social media.
The Fever have misplaced 5 gamers for the season with accidents now together with Clark. Fellow guards Sydney Colson (knee), Aari McDonald (foot) Sophie Cunningham (knee) and ahead Chloe Bibby (knee) are additionally out.
Clark has helped ladies’s basketball develop in each faculty and the WNBA. The league had document attendance this season even with Clark lacking many of the season.
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