Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark exited Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Mercury before the fourth quarter due to a back issue. The team announced Clark was done for the remainder of the contest. It remains unclear when Clark initially experienced discomfort, but she appeared to aggravate her back after a second-quarter foul. She left the court with just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter and did not return.
With Clark sidelined, the Mercury rallied to narrowly defeat the Fever 111-109, securing their sixth win of the season. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 30 points, while Kahleah Copper scored 28 for the Mercury.
The physicality Clark has encountered since her WNBA debut has been a consistent topic of discussion. This was highlighted in the second quarter when she was fouled on a drive to the basket and lost possession. Replay appeared to show contact near Clark's groin area as she fell, followed by potential contact to her throat. No foul was called on the play.
The back issue is not a new concern for Clark, as she has appeared on Indiana's injury report multiple times this season with the same complaint. The Fever are scheduled to continue their homestand on Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks.
