Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will miss Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Sparks due to an aggravated back injury, coach Stephanie White announced Friday. Clark has been managing the injury throughout the season, and aggravated it further in the third quarter of Thursday's loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
Clark left the game after diving for a loose ball, during which Mercury player Alyssa Thomas lunged for possession. Replays showed Thomas making contact with Clark's throat with a closed fist. The officials did not call a foul at the time of the incident.
Following a review, the WNBA retroactively assessed Thomas a Flagrant Foul 2 and suspended her for one game. The league's statement indicated that it has the option to reclassify fouls and impose fines or suspensions after reviewing game footage.
The incident and subsequent suspension drew attention on social media, with some users expressing strong opinions regarding the play and its handling. Clark's coach, Stephanie White, described the uncalled foul as "egregious" and "disrespectful."
The Indiana Fever have a seven-game break following Saturday's matchup, but coach White did not provide a specific timeline for Clark's return to play.