Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark exited Thursday’s preseason game against the Dallas Wings with what appeared to be a right ankle injury. The two-time All-Star launched one of her signature stepback 3s over Dallas forward and reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith in the third quarter, but when Clark came down, she landed on Smith’s foot and twisted her right ankle.
Clark rolled over in pain before getting up and limping toward her teammates and coaches, who had gathered near the Fever’s bench. Officials reviewed the play, and Smith was assessed a flagrant foul for not giving Clark enough room to land safely. Clark made two of her three free-throw attempts before exiting the game at the 7:51 mark of the third quarter.
Clark was briefly examined by the Fever’s training staff while she was on the bench, but she did not go back to the locker room. The third-year pro totaled 21 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and drained 11 of her 13 free-throw attempts in 16 minutes. She also dished out four assists and grabbed two rebounds.
Clark played only 13 games in her 2025 sophomore campaign due to injury. Her first game back with the Fever since July was the preseason opener against the New York Liberty on Saturday.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings, WNBA
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