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Caitlin Clark was eager to step back onto a WNBA court on Saturday, even if the moment came in a preseason setting rather than a regular season matchup.
The game marked her first appearance in nine months after injuries cut short her second season. She played only 13 games in 2025, making her return a significant personal milestone.
Although the matchup did not count in the standings, Clark said the team approached it with seriousness and intent. She wasted no time making an impact, scoring the opening points with a short floater before adding a stepback three pointer shortly after.
Despite that bright start, she found it difficult to sustain momentum. Clark finished with seven points on 2 of 10 shooting, along with three rebounds and four assists in 17 minutes of action.
According to Fever coach Stephanie White, the most noticeable difference in Clark is not statistical but emotional. White said Clark's energy and demeanor have shifted, describing her as more relaxed and positive in practice compared to last year.
White first observed this change during Clark's time with USA Basketball in a World Cup qualifying tournament. That stint marked Clark's first competitive action since suffering a season ending injury in July.
She recalled that Clark initially appeared restless before training camp began, but that feeling quickly changed once she returned to the court. From the first day of camp, White said, Clark seemed relieved and fully able to enjoy playing again.
The coach believes that Clark's recent experience with USA Basketball helped her transition smoothly into preseason competition. Having already regained some rhythm and timing, Clark is now focused on refining the finer details of her game.
For Clark, the time spent away from basketball was challenging, especially as she watched her team from the sidelines. However, that absence also deepened her appreciation for the game.
She said that simply putting on her uniform and stepping onto the court now feels more meaningful, particularly after a season in which those opportunities were limited. Entering the game, she felt more excitement than nerves, eager to move, compete, and reconnect with the sport she loves.
