Caitlin Clark Issues Clear Instructions to Fever Teammates Ahead of Much-Awaited Clash vs. Defending Champs Liberty

Although Hoosier hoops fans have been beyond delighted by the Indiana Pacers’ performances in the NBA playoffs so far, an injury to Caitlin Clark last month brought a halt to the party for their Indiana Fever. But with the face of women’s basketball now confirmed to return against the New York Liberty, a nationally televised treat awaits them.

Coincidentally, the game against Liberty was Clark’s last game before she missed five games due to a quad injury in the first half of June. And with the result controversially slipping away from Clark in that contest, the reigning Rookie of the Year looks set to exact her revenge.

Caitlin Clark Provides Blueprint for Success vs. Liberty

When these squads clashed in the last week of May, the game surely lived up to the hype as the game ended 90-88 in favor of the Liberty. The final play of the game saw Natasha Cloud get physical with Clark, poking the ball away as the clock ran out. Clark, who believed she got fouled, complained to the refs but that would hardly be her point of focus heading into the rematch.

Clark had a poor shooting night that game, making only two of the 11 threes she attempted. And with Cloud not giving Clark an inch of space, she was completely thrown off her rhythm. Something that was evident by the ten turnovers she registered in the game.

All things considered, the Fever have been itching for another shot at the reigning champions ever since their loss. But Clark is aware that for the Fever to get a different result, a few things must change.

“I think we started off a little bit slow, Our defense was pretty bad in the first half,” Clark said. “I think we really turned it around in the second half. I think our scouting report is going to be really important, we were poor in that area the last time we played them.”

With the Liberty winning by a slim margin of two points in their last meeting, it is clear that Indiana isn’t far away from beating the champs, especially considering Clark’s blunder last time out. The defending champs are once again the favorites to win it all and have yet to face their first loss.

If the Fever want to solidify themselves as a true contender, beating the best will have to be imperative, and that is exactly what Indiana would want to bring their season back on track.

After Clark was locked down by Cloud in the last game, the star is likely to come out hungry and looking to hunt the matchup. However, New York would once again try to be physical with Clark and knock her rhythm off. So while winning is surely the goal, Clark and the Fever must be cautious of any aggravation to their star’s injury.

While it is still early in the season, it is possible for this matchup to happen in the WNBA playoffs. And while the Fever have been named amongst the favorites for this year’s chip, one of their early shots to prove it comes tonight.

Following Saturday’s matchup against the Liberty, the Fever will remain home for their next game. They host the Connecticut Sun on June 17 at 7 p.m. ET.