Fever coach Stephanie White issues Caitlin Clark apology as WNBA injury absence continues

Indiana Fever’s head coach Stephanie White offered an apology to fans after Caitlin Clark was sidelined by injury, missing the much-anticipated face-off with Paige Bueckers.

On Friday night, despite being without Clark due to her injury, the Fever clinched a 94-86 victory over Bueckers’ Dallas Wings. Kelsey Mitchell shone brightly, netting 32 points and dishing out seven assists, while Aliyah Boston, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, contributed 21 points to the win.

Bueckers, who was snapped up as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and is a reigning national champion, has been dazzling fans since stepping into the professional arena.

Clark, whose star power significantly boosts viewership, was absent from the defeat against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday, but there was still hope she’d be ready for the highly anticipated matchup with Bueckers. Prior to the game against the Wings, White mentioned that the Fever was considering the “big picture” in deciding whether the 23-year-old would play.

In the end, the Fever opted to give Clark additional rest, mindful of a troubling pattern of injuries. White acknowledged the buzz around the potential duel with Bueckers and expressed regret.

“I’m sorry for the people who are coming,” White remarked on Friday. “I think I feel a disappointment for them, more than anything, because I want them to see her at her best and us at her best.

“I hate that for fans, but at the same time, for us as a team and for Caitlin as a person and player, her health and wellness is the priority.”

Clark is currently on the sidelines dealing with a pesky left groin issue and is marked as day-to-day by her team. This season has seen her miss more games than usual, sitting out seven so far—a stark contrast to her ironwoman streak throughout her college years at Iowa.

The Fever have felt Clark’s absence, managing a 3-4 record without their star on the court. As playoff ambitions heat up in the 2025 WNBA season, Clark’s presence on the floor becomes increasingly crucial for the team’s success.

This season, Clark boasts an impressive average of 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, but her shooting percentages show there’s room for improvement. Whether she’ll suit up for the high-stakes Commissioner’s Cup championship against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday remains an open question.

The upcoming showdown with the Western Conference leaders, the Lynx, is pivotal for the Fever’s competitive hopes, leaving fans on edge about Clark’s participation. Especially considering the Lynx’s current form with a stellar 13-2 record under the guidance of Napheesa Collier, who propelled the team to last year’s finals.

Despite the pressure, team official White maintains the stance that Clark’s recovery won’t be rushed, prioritizing her long-term wellbeing over immediate results, even if it means enduring a slump in her shooting performance.

The much-awaited face-off between Clark’s Indiana Fever and the Lynx is set for this Tuesday, July 1.