For most WNBA stars, being sidelined by injury is just part of the game. For Caitlin Clark, it’s become the story of her sophomore season. The Indiana Fever guard has spent more time watching from the bench than controlling the offense, and her latest groin injury threatens to derail what was supposed to be a breakout year.
Offering her wholesome and reassuring advice was New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu. The four-time WNBA All-Star, who dealt with injuries that saw her miss ample time in her career, was asked what her 2021 version would tell Clark as the latter continues to grapple with her injuries.
What Can Sabrina Ionescu’s 2021 Self Tell Caitlin Clark About Injuries?
Ionescu didn’t hesitate when reporters asked her what advice she’d give Clark. Having battled through multiple injuries that cost her significant playing time early in her career, Ionescu saw herself in Indiana’s struggling guard.
“That’s actually something that I told her,” Ionescu said when asked about giving Clark injury advice. “I mean, obviously, completely different injuries, and in terms of how long I was out for. I didn’t really have a rookie year, but I told her I had a similar situation.”
The four-time WNBA All-Star reflected on her own attempts to push through pain, specifically mentioning calf and hamstring injuries that taught her hard lessons about listening to her body.
post game Sabrina was asked: “What can 2021 Sab tell 2025 [Caitlin]Clark?” pic.twitter.com/P62BphYkEg
— lo (@caitscroptop) July 23, 2025
Ionescu’s message carried the weight of experience: “You sometimes have to almost go through it to be able to understand what your body needs, and you’re able to understand what you can play through and what you can’t. Just set yourself up with the right team of trainers, training, and knowing what your body needs to get ready. I told her, although it sucks, it’s gonna be a blessing in disguise.”
How Do Clark’s Injury Struggles Compare to Ionescu’s Early Career?
The parallels between the two players run deeper than just bad luck. Ionescu’s rookie season in 2020 ended abruptly when she injured her ankle, forcing her to miss the remainder of the year. That setback became the first in a series of injuries that would test her resolve throughout her early WNBA career.
Over the years, Ionescu dealt with multiple setbacks, including a recent thumb injury that required surgery. Each injury taught her something new about her body and what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Clark’s journey follows a similarly frustrating path. Her groin injury represents the fourth injury of the 2024-25 campaign, following two quad issues and an earlier left groin problem. Each setback has kept her away from the court during crucial stretches of Indiana’s season.
MORE: CAITLIN CLARK WINS HEARTS IN NEW YORK
Clark is averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds this season after coming into the season as potential title contenders. However, the Fever have struggled in her absence, with the recent loss to NY dropping them to 12-12 and the .500 mark. While they are still considered playoff candidates, much of their hopes hinge on their star guard’s availability.
Meanwhile, the Fever have felt every minute of Clark’s absence. The team has struggled without their floor general, and their recent loss to New York dropped them to 12-12, right at the .500 mark. While Indiana remains in playoff contention, their postseason hopes are directly tied to Clark’s availability.
The pressure only intensifies with their next matchup against the Las Vegas Aces at home. Without any concrete timeline for Clark’s return, the Fever face the challenge of containing A’ja Wilson and the defending champions while trying to keep their playoff dreams alive. For a team that entered the season with title aspirations, every game without Clark feels like a missed opportunity.
