Caitlin Clark returns to court with Fever, gets preseason win - ESPN

NEW YORK — Caitlin Clark was excited to get back on the court Saturday and play in a WNBA game, even if it was just the preseason.

Indiana's star played in her first game for the Fever in nine months after injuries derailed her second season, limiting her to 13 games. She received a warm ovation from the crowd when she was introduced in the starting lineup.

«This isn't a real game, I understand that, but that's how we treat it, like a real game,» Clark said before the Fever's 109-91 win over the New York Liberty. «I think anytime you get to put on your uniform and lace up your shoes you don't take that for granted, especially after coming off last year when I didn't get to do that very much.»

Clark said she had some nerves, but they didn't show early. She scored the first basket of the game and then a couple of possessions later hit her signature step-back 3-pointer from deep. After making her first two shots, Clark missed her final eight of the game. She finished with seven points, four assists and three rebounds in just under 17 minutes of play.

«Get out there, run around, you know, it's going to be a little sloppy for both teams,» she said. «That's kind of what preseason games are.»

Fever coach Stephanie White noticed a difference in Clark this preseason as opposed to her first two in the league.

«I think that's the thing, watching her play with joy,» White said. «In practice her energy is different, carrying herself in a different way.»

This wasn't Clark's first basketball game since suffering a season-ending injury last July. She played for USA Basketball in a World Cup qualifying tournament last month and earned Most Valuable Player honors.

«She was itchy and antsy before training camp started,» said White, who