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New York Liberty Star Sabrina Ionescu complained of Caitlin Clark’s latest injury, sidelined Indiana Fever Guard from the All-Star Weekend celebrations, but she told journalists on Friday that Clark’s contribution will still be felt at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Clark was excluded from Wednesday evening’s game against Liberty with a groin injury, her third injury of the season. It was enough to sideline the reigning WNBA robe of the year from this weekend’s All-Star events, where she had to compete in the 3-point competition Friday and All-Star Game on Saturday.
Team Wnba Guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a shot during the first half against the US Women’s National Team Guard Sabrina Ionescu (6) in the Footprint Center 20 July 2024. (Mark J. Revilas/USA Today Sports)
Still, Ionescu journalists told during a news conference Friday Clark effect will still be in full effect.
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“Obviously, it’s really unfortunate that we don’t have her, but she means much more to the game than just showing up and playing. I think you’re able to see it with just the tension in Indy right now, whether she plays or not.”
Ionescu added that she understands that the frustrations of Clark are experiencing The fever Prepare to host all-star weekend.
“Obviously we are good friends. I have been able to talk a lot with her through this process. Honestly, I went through something similar in my career. My first year I did not play because of harm, and my second year I had three to four softfold injuries that I had to do with. You look back, and it is a kind of blessing in disguise because you could just learn and grow and understand that it was all.”
New York Liberty Guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) and Indiana Fever Guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse 14 June 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imag images)
Caitlin Clark decides to leave WNBA All-Star-Festries after having suffered damage
“Just trying to be that sound board for her and the voice that has gone through something like similar.”
Liberty -coach Sandy Brondello, who will train Team Clark in Saturday’s game, repeated Ionescu’s comments and reassured fans that Clark will still be a dominant presence even from the court.
“She still wants to have a big impact on this team. I want to give the coaching hat to her as much as she wants to be completely honest,” Brondello said with a laugh. “We have to play with it. It will be fun. I think you’ve seen it with the fever. She’s been very active on the sidelines when she didn’t play. So we’ll use it too.”
New York Liberty -Head coach Sandy Brondello looks down on the field in the first half against Las Vegas Aces under Game 2 in the 2023 WNBA final in Michelob Ultra Arena 11 October 2023. (Candice Ward/USA Today Sports)
WNBA announced that Washington Mystics -Guard Brittney Sykes and Atlanta Dream Forward Brionna Jones will replace Clark and a wounded Satou Sabally in the game this weekend. Both will play for Brondello.
The fever announced on Friday that Lexie Hull replaces Clark in the 3-point competition.
