The Golden State Valkyries secured an 80-61 victory on the road against the Indiana Fever, marking the return of Kate Linklark from injury on Wednesday. Caitlyn Clark, who missed five games including the WNBA Commissioners Cup Championship due to a left groin injury, was back in the lineup alongside Ahri McDonald and Kelsey Mitchell as part of a new three-guard strategy implemented by head coach Stephanie White. Clark contributed 10 points, five rebounds, six assists, and four turnovers in 25 minutes, but the loss dropped Indiana’s season record to 9-10, below .500.
Following the game, Clark candidly acknowledged the team’s defensive shortcomings, emphasizing the challenges they faced in executing the coach’s directives. The Fever struggled notably with shot selection, attempting 12 three-pointers—well above their season average of 8.9—and giving up 11 offensive rebounds to the Valkyries, who have a smaller starting lineup. Clark also criticized the team’s lack of energy and effort, which are uncharacteristic for the Fever.
Despite the team’s struggles, Clark felt positive about her own physical condition after returning from injury, expressing confidence that she would regain her full strength over the next few games. The Fever have four games remaining before the WNBA All-Star break, including home games against the Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings, as well as upcoming matches against the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty.
This story was first reported by Athlon Sports on July 9, 2025.
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Fan Take: This update highlights the resilience and challenges faced by the Indiana Fever as they work to rebuild with injured players returning. For WNBA fans, it underscores the intense competition and strategic adjustments shaping the league, signaling exciting developments ahead as teams get healthier and refine their lineups.
