INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark left Wednesday’s game against Phoenix with a back injury, the Fever said in an in-game injury update.
Clark, who has appeared as probable (back) for 13 straight injury reports after the Fever were warned by the league for improper injury reporting, checked out of the game with 5:15 left in the third quarter, went back to the locker room, and did not return.
It’s not known specifically what prompted her exit, but she appeared to tweak her back in the second quarter. She was fouled by Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi on a 3-pointer, fell to the ground, and was rubbing her back as she stood up. She looked uncomfortable walking back to the Fever’s bench, but stayed in the game to shoot her three free-throws and beyond.
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Clark also went back into the tunnel during the first quarter and returned to the bench wearing a wrap around her back.
Clark finished the game with 19 points and eight assists in 20 minutes of play.
This story may be updated.
Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at chloe.peterson@indystar.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar TV: Fever for in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Caitlin Clark left Indiana Fever bench, won’t return vs Phoenix Mercury due to injury
Reporting by Chloe Peterson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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By Chloe Peterson, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
