Caitlin Clark’s fans are clapping back after some WNBA chatter suggested the Indiana Fever might be better without their star rookie.
That talk picked up earlier this week when the Fever won two impressive games—beating the Minnesota Lynx and then blowing out the defending champion Las Vegas Aces—while Clark was sidelined with a groin injury. But on Saturday night, Indiana gave up a late lead and fell 89-87 at home to the struggling Los Angeles Sparks, snapping that narrative fast. It was their second loss to the Sparks in just over a week.
Clark, who missed her fifth straight game, watched from the bench. While some fans previously pointed to Indiana’s 5-5 record without her (compared to 4-4 with her) as proof the team didn’t miss a beat, Saturday’s loss led many to push back hard.
Fans Come to Clark’s Defense
After the defeat, social media lit up with messages supporting Clark.
“Turns out the Fever are not more dangerous without Caitlin Clark,” one user posted on X.
“Some strange coaching at the end,” another added. “I miss Caitlin Clark. Idc if this team thinks they can continue to win without her, it’s better with her.”
Another fan chimed in: “Caitlin Clark is the WNBA. She’s the Jordan and Tiger of her generation and moves the needle.”
The Fever had plenty to celebrate earlier in the week, including their Commissioner’s Cup victory over the Lynx—the franchise’s first trophy since 2012—and a 27-point rout of A’ja Wilson’s Aces. But momentum stalled Saturday, and the conversation quickly shifted back to how much they rely on Clark’s presence and playmaking.
When Will Caitlin Return?
There’s still no official word on when Clark will return to action, though she could suit up as early as Wednesday night when the Fever host the Golden State Valkyries. She also missed the first five games of the season with a quad injury.
Still an All-Star Fan Favorite
Despite missing time, Clark was named one of two captains for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, thanks to massive fan support. She’ll draft her squad alongside Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. This marks Clark’s second All-Star selection in just her second year in the league. Last year, she played for Team WNBA against Team USA ahead of the Paris Olympics.
A Recent Shooting Slump
Before her injury, Clark had hit a rough patch offensively. In her June 14 return against New York and a follow-up game against Connecticut, she looked out of rhythm. In a loss to Seattle, she shot just 3-for-13 from the field and missed all six of her three-point attempts. Across the two games before Indiana’s recent win streak, she had gone just 1-for-17 from deep—far below her usual standards.
Still, her impact on and off the court remains undeniable.
And if Saturday night is any indication, the idea that the Fever are “better without Caitlin Clark” may have already run its course.
