How long can you run a sports car on an empty tank? The Indiana Fever found out the hard way on Wednesday night. Caitlin Clark, the franchise’s golden goose, finally broke down. She exited midway through the third quarter against the Phoenix Mercury, hobbled by a back injury that has been whispering warnings for weeks. She didn’t return. The Fever lost. Naturally.
The warning signs were there early. Very early. Clark retreated to the locker room tunnel in the first quarter, emerging later with a wrap strapped to her spine. Then came the breaking point. During a second-quarter three-point attempt, Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi fouled her. Clark hit the hardwood. She got up, grimacing, rubbing her lower back. It was painful to watch.
Postgame, head coach Stephanie White offered the usual coaching platitudes. “No current update,” she muttered. White talked about the long season and the necessity of keeping her star alive. She preached the “next man up” gospel, name-dropping Ty Harris and Raven Johnson as the poor souls who now have to carry the load. Good luck with that.
Before her spine betrayed her, Clark was doing Clark things. She dropped 19 points, dished eight assists, and grabbed a steal. She shot five-of-nine from the floor. Efficient and deadly. But useless if she is stuck on the bench.
This isn’t a sudden tragedy. It is a slow-motion train wreck. Clark has been listed on the injury report with a back issue for thirteen straight games. Thirteen. The Fever have been playing Russian roulette with their meal ticket all season.
Next up is Los Angeles on Saturday. After that, a merciful week of rest before a July 5 trip to Las Vegas. They need it. Especially Clark.
