Caitlin Clark returned to the WNBA on Saturday, and she made it clear she’s fully recovered from the left quadriceps strain that sidelined her for five games. Her stellar performance caught the basketball world’s attention, drawing praise from LeBron James.
Following Clark’s dominant game for the Indiana Fever against the New York Liberty, James took to X to recognize the WNBA superstar.
LeBron James’ Eight-Word Message to Caitlin Clark
Following Clark’s dominant performance in her return for the Fever, James sent a strong message to the rising WNBA star.
“The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!” James wrote.
The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 14, 2025
In her return, Clark scored a season-high 32 points, dished out nine assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. She shot 11-of-20 from the field and hit seven 3-pointers. Despite a game-high seven turnovers, her timely shot-making carried the Fever to a 102–88 win over the defending champions.
Clark wasn’t alone in the effort. Kelsey Mitchell scored 22 points, Lexie Hull added 14 points and four rebounds, and Aliyah Boston posted a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Veteran guard Sydney Colson also contributed 10 points and six assists.
The Liberty entered the game 9-0, and the loss marked their first of the season, leaving no undefeated teams remaining in the WNBA.
New York was without Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich. Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 34 points and four 3-pointers, while Breanna Stewart added 23 points and five rebounds. Nyara Sabally and Marine Johannès each scored 10 points. Natasha Cloud, who had a strong showing in the teams’ previous meeting, finished with just five points.
James has frequently praised Clark and her impact on the league, often highlighting her unprecedented influence. It’s notable to see the NBA’s most iconic active player celebrate the success of the WNBA’s most high-profile young star.
Clark has been widely praised for her early-season performance. Arguably the most hyped player to enter the league, she’s living up to expectations and may even be on track to exceed them.
She still has a long journey ahead. Building on this performance, gaining playoff experience, and continuing to develop will be key if she is to reach her full potential. The Fever, meanwhile, have more work to do before being considered true championship contenders. The win brought them to .500 with a 5-5 record.
Still, Clark has a long career ahead of her. If her development mirrors James’ in terms of focus and longevity, she’s poised to break records and win awards, as long as she continues to prioritize improvement and fitness, much like the four-time NBA champion.