After five games without Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever welcomed their star point guard back to the court on Wednesday. But it wasn’t the return they’d hoped for. The Fever fell 80-61 to the Golden State Valkyries, and Clark, still shaking off the rust, managed just 10 points, five rebounds, and six assists on 33.3% shooting.
While fans were eager to see Clark back in action, Sophie Cunningham was quick to acknowledge the team’s growing pains in reintegrating their All-WNBA floor general.
“I think that everyone saw that we kind of got some flow when Cait was hurt and our offense was clicking,” Cunningham said at Thursday’s media availability.
Finding Chemistry Again
During Clark’s absence, the Fever played some of their best basketball all season. Which includes a dominant 27-point win over the Las Vegas Aces and a Commissioner’s Cup championship victory against the Minnesota Lynx. That momentum, however, stalled upon Clark’s return.
Cunningham explained that Clark’s impact on the game is so significant that the team needs to reshape its offensive system when she’s on the floor.
“Now we have to have a new offense when she’s in there because she just brings that much to the game,” Cunningham said. “We know what the potential of this team can be… but we can’t think about that. We really have to take it day to day.”
Read More: ESPN’s Caitlin Clark Take Backfires After Fever Loss to Sparks
Team Frustrations Are Real
The Fever are now 5-5 with Clark and 5-5 without her, underscoring just how much adjustment is still needed. Cunningham opened up about the team’s frustrations and the mental and physical toll of trying to find consistency.
“We’re all frustrated. We’re trying to figure out what’s clicking, what’s not clicking,” she said. “It’s mentally making sure that we’re good… but we’re trying to figure it out.”
The Fever (9-10) return to the court Friday night against Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream. With only one day of rest and plenty of adjustments still ahead, the pressure is on.
Can the Fever find their rhythm again with Clark back in the mix? Let us know in the comments!
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