Caitlin Clark is making a significant impact in her third WNBA season with the Indiana Fever. Her performance comes after a challenging previous season, where she played only 13 games due to a season-ending groin injury.

Clark is no longer troubled by the lower-body issues that sidelined her. However, she has been dealing with a persistent back problem. This has led to several in-game adjustments and caused her to miss Indiana’s fourth game of the season against the Portland Fire. The absence was somewhat unexpected.

Both Clark and head coach Stephanie White have minimized concerns about the severity of the back issue. They emphasize that it is not a major concern. Clark discussed her physical and mental experiences as she learns to manage injuries.

“I don’t think it necessarily started at a certain point. I think it’s just been over the course of the last year when I’ve kind of been understanding my body more,” Clark said. “I think before that it was always like, ‘I’m fine, go play, go play, go play,’ and maybe sometimes I’m a little too hyperaware of certain things … but continuing to work through that and just finding the balance. Maybe I don’t need to be as aware … but I don’t think it’s anything of concern, no.”

Clark’s performance has not suffered despite these challenges. She is currently averaging 23.8 points, 9.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Her shooting statistics include 43.2% from the field, 34.8% from three-point range, and 96.4% from the free-throw line. These figures mark the best start of her young WNBA career with the Indiana Fever.