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It hasn’t exactly been the easiest start to the 2026 WNBA season for the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark.
After Clark missed most of 2025, expectations were high that she would return to her rookie season form for 2026. But after a strong start, it has been undeniably shaky and inconsistent production for the 24-year-old superstar.
She scored more than 20 points in five straight games to start the year, but failed to reach that level in four straight after that.
Despite a strong performance against the Golden State Valkyries, posting 22 points along with nine assists and 44% shooting from 3-point range, Clark struggled to maintain that momentum. She had five turnovers in the rematch with the Valkyries, then just six points against the Portland Fire on May 30.
CAITLIN CLARK HOLDS TO JUST SIX POINTS IN FEBER’S BRUTAL BLOWOUT LOSS TO BRAND
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on June 6, 2026. (Wendell Cruz/Imagn Images)
Saturday’s loss to the New York Liberty was a microcosm of Clark’s play thus far. Just 10 points on 28.6% from the field, 33.3% from three, three turnovers and five fouls. Though indicative of her ability to contribute even when she wasn’t at her best, she added nine assists and seven rebounds.
Before Monday, she was just 14 for 50 from the floor in the Fever’s most recent games. More surprisingly, she was just 6 of 22 on 3-point attempts.
With the Fever just 5-5, Monday night’s game against the Washington Mystics was an important opportunity to get back on track. And that’s exactly what she did.
CAITLIN CLARK DEFENDS COACH STEPHANIE WHITE AFTER SIDELINE CONFRONTATION CAUSES DEBATE
Clark started out strong, scoring 10 points in the first quarter and going 2-5 from three. Coach Stephanie White left her on the bench for most of the second quarter, but played under 4 minutes total. Although she still found a way to impress with an incredible pass to find Myisha Hines-Allen for a layup.
In the second half, however, she showed some more of her trademark shooting. With seven minutes left in the third, Clark made a 25-foot jump shot, all while Cassandre Prosper interfered with her ability to land. The foul was ruled not flagrant and Clark completed the rare four-point play.
Despite the Fever opening up a sizable lead at that point, the Mystics battled back and cut it to just two points midway through the fourth and one point with a minute remaining. Thanks to a loose ball error, the Mystics took a one-point lead. But Clark made contact in the lane and made two free throws to give the Fever back the lead. She missed both.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark watches the Washington Mystics in the first quarter at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC, on June 8, 2026. (Rafael Suanes/Imagn Images)
But again, even though something is a little off with her shooting, she found a way to contribute. After a Mystics turnover, Clark found Aliyah Boston with a beautiful half-court pass to make it 75-74 Fever.
The Mystics came right back and took the lead 76-75 after a late mistake. But then the dagger. Sophie Cunningham threw a long, cross court pass to Clark on an in bounds play and she buried a 31-footer to give the Fever the win, 78-76.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts after making a three-point basket against the Washington Mystics during the first quarter at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC on June 8, 2026. (Rafael Suanes/Imagn Images)
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After runs of questionable performances, Monday was much closer to a return to form for Clark. 19 points on 7-16 shooting, 4 of 10 from 3, five assists and a steal. Including the incredible game winner.
With the win, the Fever improved to 6-5 ahead of their next game on Thursday against the Chicago Sky.
