### Caitlin Clark Overcomes Ankle Injury in Fever’s Loss to Sun
INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark faced another challenge on Monday night, adding to the high expectations and tough opening schedule of her WNBA career: a left ankle injury. The Indiana Fever rookie and No. 1 draft pick, who has been under intense defensive scrutiny, rolled her ankle in the second quarter of the Fever’s 88-84 loss to the Connecticut Sun. Clark was in visible pain, clutching her ankle and unable to stand without assistance. She was helped to the locker room, leaving the sellout crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in silence and her coach, Christie Sides, very concerned.
Despite this setback, Clark showed resilience by returning for the second half, helping the Fever (0-4) mount a late run that nearly led to their first win. She downplayed the injury after the game, saying, “Every basketball player’s had an ankle injury. If you [haven’t], you’re not a true baller, I guess. It’ll be a little stiff, but I’ll be good.” Clark finished the game with 17 points and five assists.
The Fever, who have lost twice to both the Sun and the New York Liberty (combined 7-0), showed their most competitive performance yet. Clark’s presence was crucial, especially in the final quarter. She hit a 33-foot 3-pointer with 7:17 left, giving the Fever a 70-68 lead and electrifying the crowd. Clark also pushed the pace and set up post players Aliyah Boston and Temi Fagbenle, though the Fever couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities, including a missed tying layup by Boston in the final seconds.
Coach Sides praised Clark’s toughness and quick return to the game after her injury. “She’s tough,” Sides said. “She didn’t want anybody to help her off the court. I love that about her.”
Clark’s intensity remained high, even earning a technical foul in the third quarter for words exchanged with an official. Sun guard DiJonai Carrington’s defense added to Clark’s frustration, effectively limiting her step-back 3-point attempts.
The Fever’s high turnover count (17) and foul disparity (24 to 13) were issues that need addressing if they hope to win close games. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell emphasized the need for the team to establish their identity. “I think our next step is to establish who we’re going to be, not just what social media says, but who we actually can be.”
The Fever now face a challenging stretch of three road games in four days, starting with a matchup against the Seattle Storm on Wednesday.
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