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Caitlin Clark’s night ended early Wednesday as the Fever guard walked out 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 match with a back problem.
It’s unclear exactly when Clark began experiencing back pain, but she seemed to remedy it after a foul in the second quarter. She left the field with just over five minutes remaining 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 defended by Lexi Held of the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 24, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Clark ends up heading towards the locker room. With the Fever star sidelined, the Mercury managed to rally and narrowly edged past 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 the Mercury secure the victory.
CAITLIN CLARK UNVEILS NIKE CAITLIN 1 AS HER FIRST SIGNATURE SHOE WITH AN OCTOBER RELEASE DATE
The physical style of play that Clark has faced has been a topic of discussion 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 goalie 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 Fever guard fell to the ground, followed by what looked like contact between Thomas’ fist and Clark’s throat. No foul was called on the play.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is shown after falling into the lane while Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas watches the ball at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis, Indiana, June 24, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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The problem is not new. Clark has been on Indiana’s injury report multiple times this season because of this. The Fever continue their home game Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks.
