Caitlin Clark’s back injury on May 24 during a loss to the Thunder raised questions about her recovery timeline. Initially, the Indianapolis Fever announced Clark would need two weeks of treatment, but the recovery process has proven more complex than anticipated.
Fever Patiently Awaits Young Star
After four games without Clark, including Saturday’s matchup against the Sky in Chicago, the Fever remain cautious about rushing their young star back. Head coach Stephanie White emphasized the team’s commitment to “playing smart, staying cautious, and focusing on long-term goals” rather than hastening Clark’s return.
While Clark was initially expected to potentially return for Tuesday’s game in Atlanta, she still requires additional time to regain peak form. This “ramping up” process, a common term in the NBA, is essential to ensure a safe and effective return.
Fever Maintains Steady Performance
In the four games without Clark, the Fever have managed a balanced record of two wins and two losses. Notably, they secured victories in their last two games after early struggles without their key player.
However, tougher challenges lie ahead. The Atlanta Hawks, with a 5-3 record, will be a formidable opponent, and if Clark remains sidelined for Saturday’s game against the undefeated 8-0 New York Liberty, the Fever could face significant difficulties.
Aliyah Boston Shines in Critical Moments
A bright spot during Clark’s absence has been the stellar performance of center Aliyah Boston. Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo praised Boston in a Monday post on X, highlighting her exceptional play.
“Aliyah Boston’s efficiency has been off the charts in the last four games, shooting 78% without Caitlin Clark,” Lobo noted. She pointed out that Boston averages just 6.8 shots per game without Clark, compared to 12.8 when playing alongside her star teammate, despite similar playing time.
Prediction of an Imminent Scoring Surge
Lobo boldly predicted that Boston could be “poised for a massive scoring explosion once Caitlin Clark returns,” based on her impressive recent stats.
This season, Boston leads the WNBA with a remarkable 66.7% field goal percentage while averaging 15.3 points per game. Notably, among the 19 WNBA players averaging 15 or more points, Boston is the only one with fewer than 10 shot attempts per game, at just 9.8.
Future Outlook
The combination of Boston’s standout performances in Clark’s absence and the potential for a dynamic partnership when both play together promises exciting prospects for the Fever. With Clark’s confident return and Boston’s sustained high-level play, the team could emerge as a formidable force in the WNBA.
The question remains whether the Fever can fully capitalize on this duo to create surprises in the remainder of the season.