Fever lack 'competitive fire' in loss despite Clark's return - ESPN
INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark's return from a groin injury was not enough to make up for what coach Stephanie White called the Indiana Fever's «lack of competitive fire» that led to a 80-61 home loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday.
«We struggled scouting-report wise. We struggled [with] personnel. We struggled to do what the coaches asked of us,» said Clark, who notched 10 points on 4-for-12 shooting (2-for-5 on 3s) in her first game since June 24. «And then overall, they just played with more energy and effort, and those are the things that just can't happen.»
Added White: «I'm not sure if it's not knowing the game plan… as much as not executing the game plan. Our attention to detail, our discipline. I felt like our energy and our competitive fire was not there, and that's disappointing.»
The Fever (9-10) fell below .500 with the loss. They are 5-5 with Clark on the floor and 5-5 without her, including last week's Commissioner's Cup final victory that did not count toward regular-season standings.
Clark played just under 25 minutes on Wednesday, compiling 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 turnovers. She now has 31 games in her career with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, a league record through a player's first two seasons.
Clark, who also missed five games across late May and early June with a quad injury, said it may take some time to get her wind back but that she «felt pretty good,» playing in shorter stints.
White was mostly pleased with Clark's return, adding there were periods when Clark «really looked good.» The Fever also got their first look at pairing Clark in the backcourt with fellow point guard Aari McDonald, who had taken over the role during Clark's absence. Indiana started both guards and had