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Caitlin Clark’s night ended early Wednesday when the feverish guard left before the fourth quarter of Indiana’s game against the Phoenix Mercury.
The Fever announced that Clark was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a count back.
It’s unclear when Clark first started experiencing back discomfort, but she appeared to adjust it after a foul in the second quarter. She left the court with just over five minutes left in the third quarter and did not return, the Indianapolis Star reported.
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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball while being defended by Lexi Held of the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 24, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Clark eventually made it to the locker room. With the Fever star on the sidelines, the Mercury managed to rally and narrowly edged out Indiana 111-109. The win was just Phoenix’s sixth of the season.
Kelsey Mitchell finished with 30 points to lead the Fever, but Kahleah Copper’s 28-point performance helped lift the Mercury to the victory.
CAITLIN CLARK DECLARES THE NIKE CAITLIN 1 AS HER FIRST SIGNATURE SHOES WITH AN OCTOBER RELEASE DATE
The physical style of play Clark has faced has been a talking point since her WNBA debut in 2024. That conversation resurfaced in the second quarter when she was fouled on a drive to the basket and lost control of the ball.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 24, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Replay videos appeared to show Thomas’ knee making contact near Clark’s groin as the feverish guard fell to the floor, followed by what appeared to be contact between Thomas’ fist and Clark’s neck. No mistakes were made on the play.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is shown after falling in the lane as Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas watches the ball at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 24, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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The back issue is not new. Clark has landed on Indiana’s injury report several times this season because of it. The Fever continue their home run on Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks.
