Caitlin Clark’s Early Exit from Game Due to Back Injury

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Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever guard, had her night cut short on Wednesday as she was unable to continue playing before the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Mercury due to a back issue. The Fever announced that Clark was ruled out for the remainder of the game. While details of when Clark began experiencing discomfort are unclear, sources suggest that she might have injured it during a second-quarter foul. Her departure from the court occurred with a little over five minutes left in the third quarter, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball while defended by Lexi Held of the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

After leaving the court, Clark proceeded to the locker room. Her absence was notable as the Phoenix Mercury staged a comeback, narrowly triumphing over Indiana with a final score of 111-109. This marks Phoenix’s sixth victory of the season.

Kelsey Mitchell delivered an impressive performance by scoring 30 points for the Fever. Nonetheless, Kahleah Copper’s 28-point contribution played a pivotal role in securing the win for the Mercury.

The physical challenges in Clark’s playstyle have been discussed since her WNBA debut in 2024. The topic arose again in the second quarter when an incident involving a drive to the basket led to a loss of ball control following a foul.

Footage showed a contact sequence where Thomas’s knee struck near Clark’s groin, causing Clark to fall. Subsequently, there appeared to be another contact between Thomas’s fist and Clark’s throat. No foul was called for the incident.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shown after falling in the lane while Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas watches the ball at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Clark’s back issues have been persistent, with her appearance on Indiana’s injury report multiple times this season. The Fever are set to continue their homestand Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks.

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