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Caitlin Clark may have missed Saturday's preseason game against the Washington Mystics due to a leg injury, but her presence was felt loudly from the sidelines. Head coach Stephanie White praised Clark for her engagement and leadership as the Fever pulled off a 79-74 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
During the postgame press conference, a reporter asked White about Clark's energy and communication while sidelined. Though she wasn't in uniform, Clark was actively talking to teammates, signaling from the bench, and even ing in huddles to offer insight.
"First of all, her communication was outstanding," White said. "Seeing different things on the floor and being able to communicate that in huddle.
"I heard a lot of different voices, but when you're not playing, it gives you a different perspective," she added. "And I thought she did a really good job with her teammates."
Clark's injury is improving ahead of Iowa City return
While her leadership impressed, fans are understandably focused on her health. Clark sat out the contest due to a leg injury, and while the specifics of the issue haven't been disclosed, White sounded optimistic about her recovery timeline.
"As far as status update, she had a lot of progress in the last 24 hours, and that was our goal," White said. "Our goal is to see how she progresses every day, so we'll see what happens and see how she feels after the workout she went through today. Hopefully she'll be ready to go tomorrow."
Clark's potential return could come at a perfect time. The Fever travel to Iowa City on Sunday to face the Brazil National Team in their second preseason game at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena - the very same court where Clark became a college basketball icon with the Iowa Hawkeyes.