The Indiana Fever suffered their first preseason loss on Thursday against the Dallas Wings. They were without four key players, including Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull, due to injuries.
Caitlin Clark had a really good game, finishing with 21 points and four assists in their 95-80 loss. Kelsey Mitchell had 10 points, while Makayla Timpson added 11 points and two rebounds.
Paige Bueckers looked great for the Wings, putting up 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting. Maddy Siegrist had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, while No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd was limited to just four points in 16 minutes.
Caitlin Clark Exits Game After Flagrant Foul
GettyCaitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever brings the ball up the court against the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of their game at T-Mobile Arena on June 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Midway through the third quarter, Clark took a 3-point shot and was fouled by Alanna Smith. The Fever guard landed on Smith’s foot, favoring her right ankle. Officials reviewed the play and called a flagrant foul on the Wings forward, as per Scott Agness of Fever Files.
Clark made two of her three free throws and was immediately subbed out. She exited the game and didn’t return, leading to some concern from the Fever fanbase. She had multiple injuries last year, including a sprained ankle, which limited her to just 13 games.
Since it was a preseason game, the Fever didn’t risk further injury to Clark. Coach Stephanie White removed her starters afterward, giving minutes to her young players.
Injury Update on Caitlin Clark
GettyCaitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts after a play during the second half against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 28, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Despite the injury scare, Fever fans can breathe a sigh of relief after Clark provided an update after the game.
According to Chloe Peterson of The Indianapolis Star, Clark told reporters that she landed on her kneecap, and it was the cause of her limping.
“I feel good,” Clark said.
Emphasizes how well she thinks the refs did tonight, too.
Clark also praised the referees for making calls that would have not been made last season. She has had to face physicality since entering the league, and it seems like she’ll be getting a better whistle this season.
“I thought the refs did a really good job tonight,” Clark said. “That’s kind of been their focus going into this season. There was a committee people who wanted them to start calling things, and I thought they had done a great job with that honestly. The rest were great. It’s a preseason game, so probably gonna see more fouls called.”
The Fever went to the free-throw line 13 times on Wednesday, knocking down 11 of them. The issue with officiating isn’t just isolated to Clark, with many players and referees calling them out over the past two seasons.
What’s Next For The Indiana Fever?
The Fever dropped to 1-1 in the preseason after their loss to the Wings. They have one more game before the regular season begins on Friday, May 8.
Indiana hosts the Nigeria Women’s National Team on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They then have a week to prepare for their season opener against the Wings on May 9.
Caitlin Clark Injury Update: Indiana Fever Get Good News After Preseason Loss