The last thing that Caitlin Clark fans want to see in the preseason is an injury that could derail her 2026 campaign before it even begins. When the Indiana Fever took on the Dallas Wings Thursday night, Clark had an injury scare that had the team’s supporters worrying about her condition.
In the third quarter of this preseason game, newly acquired Wings forward Alanna Smith closed out on Clark as the two-time WNBA All-Star attempted a 3-pointer. In doing so, Smith extender her foot into CC’s landing zone, causing Clark to land awkwardly and momentarily walk with a limp.
Alanna Smith was called for a flagrant 1 in this sequence. To her credit, Caitlin Clark was able to take her free throws before leaving the game to have her herself checked by the Fever’s medical staff.
The sight of Clark going through an injury scare did not sit well with Fever fans.
“She has a target on her back. They hate her and will never stop trying to squash her.”
“These gals are determined to injure their bread basket”
“Fix your shit @WNBA. If she’s out another season yall won’t be able to pay those new salaries.”
“There should be a rule that those who make reckless plays during preseason gets cut or suspended for the incoming season”
“The only way they can stop her is by injuring her smhh”
“When is this crap going to stop?”
Clark’s final stat line for the night was 21 points, two rebounds, four assists, and one steal. However, the Fever ultimately came up short against the Wings, who won 95-80.
The Fever will wrap up their preseason by taking on the Nigeria national team on Saturday. It will be interesting to see if Fever head coach Stephanie White will opt to give Clark some rest this weekend as the regular season draws near.
“I Feel Good”: Caitlin Clark Gives an Update Following Injury Scare in Fever-Wings Game
For what it’s worth, Caitlin Clark gave an assuring update during the post-game media availability.
“Caitlin Clark says postgame that she just landed really hard on her kneecap, and says ‘I feel good.’ Emphasizes how well she thinks the refs did tonight, too,” Fever beat writer Chloe Peterson tweeted after the game.
The Indiana Fever open their regular season against the Dallas Wings on May 10, and Clark will need to be 100% as the Fever begin their 2026 campaign.