Caitlin Clark’s back issue flared up during the Indiana Fever’s game against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday.
The WNBA superstar has been managing a back issue for much of the season, and the latest development will have fans concerned about her long-term health.
What Happened to Caitlin Clark During the Fever-Mercury Game?
Clark seemingly tweaked her back during the second quarter of the Fever’s game against the Mercury and checked out mid-way through the third quarter. She went straight into the locker room, and it has now been revealed that she will not be taking any further part in the game.
The 6-foot-0 star had been listed as probable for the game ahead of tip-off. However, she was named to the starting lineup and played 20 minutes before checking out due to her injury.
Indiana Fever reporter Chloe Peterson shared the news of Clark’s injury on social media.
“Caitlin Clark (back) will not return to tonight’s game, Fever announce. She looked to tweak her back when she was fouled in the second quarter. She checked out at 5:15 in the third, went back to the locker room, and didn’t return,” she wrote on X.
Caitlin Clark (back) will not return to tonight’s game, Fever announce.
She looked to tweak her back when she was fouled in the second quarter. She checked out at 5:15 in the third, went back to the locker room, and didn’t return.
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 25, 2026
Clark appeared to be in fine form against the Mercury, scoring 19 points on 5-of-9 shooting. She went 3-of-4 from the three-point line and also had 8 assists. She battled hard against a physical Mercury defense led by Alyssa Thomas.
It is unclear whether Clark’s injury setback occurred due to the Mercury defense being very physical while defending her or if it was just a recurrence of the issue that has been plaguing her all season long.
Clark has only missed one game so far this season – against the Portland Fire on May 20. After the Fever received a warning from the WNBA regarding their injury reporting for that game, Clark shared that she would probably be on the injury report for most games in the near future.
Despite her lingering back issues, Clark has been leading from the front for the Fever this season. She is averaging 21.3 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 42.6% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc.
Next up for the Fever is a home game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, and all eyes will be on whether Clark can overcome her back issue to take part in that blockbuster game.
