The Indiana Fever came up short against the Dallas Wings in their first WNBA game of the season.
Caitlin Clark struggled from the field, but she still finished with 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the Fever’s 107-104 loss. It was Clark’s first WNBA game since July and was a bit careless with five turnovers.
Kelsey Mitchell had a game-high 30 points, while Aliyah Boston added 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Paige Bueckers and Odyssey Sims had 20 points each for the Wings, while Arike Ogunbowale scored 22 points. Azzi Fudd was limited to just three points in her WNBA debut.
Caitlin Clark Explains Back Issue vs. Wings
GettyCaitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is fouled during the second half against the Dallas Wings during the preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 30, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
During the season opener against the Wings, Caitlin Clark left the bench twice to get checked by the medical team. There was definite worry among the Fever fanbase, especially with Clark’s injury-plagued campaign last year.
However, there’s nothing to worry about according to Clark, who explained after the game that she was having back issues.
“Just getting my back adjusted,” Clark said. “It gets out of line pretty quickly. So, just that just getting my back put back in place a little bit, but other than that, feel great.”
Clark added that she was feeling great overall outside of some anxiety to start the game. It was her first game in nearly a year, so it was a natural reaction. While she did play five games for Team USA back in March, it’s still a different feeling in the WNBA.
“I feel good,” Clark said, via ESPN’s Kareem Copeland. “Started off a little slow, I think just the anxiety of the first game, trying to work through that. But overall, I felt good, felt fast out there. Felt like I was literally a couple buckets away from putting together a really, really good game and helping us win.”
The Fever’s offense wasn’t a problem in the game, but they have to improve on the other end after allowing 107 points. They had a chance to force overtime, but Kelsey Mitchell missed a 3-point shot at the buzzer.
Stephanie White Comments on Caitlin Clark Injury
GettyHead coach Stephanie White of the Indiana Fever talks with Caitlin Clark #22 during a break in the fourth quarter of their game against the Las Vegas Aces at T-Mobile Arena on June 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Fever 89-81.
Speaking on her postgame media availability, coach Stephanie White was asked about Caitlin Clark’s injury. White shared the same sentiment as her player, explaining that she wouldn’t played Clark more than 30 minutes if the back injury was a huge issue.
“This is going to be an ongoing thing, not just her,” White said. “We’ve had multiple players who’ve gone back … and get adjusted and make sure that the body’s working. Hip alignment gets off, rib alignment gets off and it’s part of being a professional athlete. Nothing outside of that. We wouldn’t have played her 30 minutes if she wasn’t OK.”
The Fever are back in action on Wednesday, visiting the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
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