Caitlin Clark exits the preseason game after colliding with a Wings defender
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Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark left Thursday night’s preseason game against the Dallas Wings after colliding with one of their players.
Clark was seen wandering the court after taking a three-point shot and landing on the foot of Wings star Alanna Smith in the third quarter of the game. When he arrived, Clark told reporters after the 95-80 loss that he hit his knee hard when he came down behind Smith’s pass.
Clark rolled onto the court and tried to clear it as he walked towards the Fever bench. The officials eventually reviewed the play and gave Smith, the reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, 1 foul for not giving Clark a safe place to stay after the shot.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball during the second half against the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on April 30, 2026. (Photos by Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn)
Clark exited the game with less than eight minutes left in the third quarter.
He finished with a team-high 21 points despite missing most of the second half. Clark hit three three-point attempts, while knocking down 11 of 13 from the free throw line. He also had two rebounds, four assists and one steal in the contest.
Since this was a preseason game, Fever fans were holding their breath to watch Clark at that time, especially considering the tumultuous season in 2025.
CAITLIN CLARK RETURNS TO WNBA COMPETITION AFTER INJURY GAME IN 2025 FEVER
Clark played just 13 games in her sophomore campaign, far from what she hoped for after winning WNBA Rookie of the Year and setting the single-season assists record in 2024.
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark drives the ball up court against Dallas Wings’ Odyssey Sims during a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on April 30, 2026. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
But it seems that Clark avoided serious injury that could have happened in that situation. Being in the landing zone after being shot can lead to serious injuries, especially twisted ankles.
Fever coach Stephanie White didn’t want to push Clark, she sat him all the way.
The Fever still have one game left in the schedule, as they face the Nigerian national team on Saturday. Then, regular season basketball, with the Fever’s record-setting first game against these same Wings in Dallas on May 9.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark questions a game delay against the Dallas Wings during a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on April 30. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire)
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The Wings are an interesting team to watch, with Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, reuniting with UConn teammate Paige Bueckers to begin her pro journey. Bueckers led the Wings with 20 points Thursday night, while Fudd finished with four points.
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