Stephanie White Apologizes to fans over Caitlin Clark sitting out

The game was marked as one of the biggest of the WNBA season. It was the first anticipated matchup between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, the last two No. 1 picks in the WNBA Draft. The head-to-head showdown was expected to be one for the record books. However, the matchup didn’t happen, as Caitlin Clark was ruled out with a groin injury.

Indiana eventually won the game 94–86 over Dallas without Clark, and the fans at the American Airlines Center still enjoyed a great night. A sold-out crowd witnessed a competitive game with strong play throughout.

MORE: Paige Bueckers not needed in Dallas Wings win over Washington Mystics

It was the second of back-to-back games for Indiana, and Clark missed both. She also sat out Thursday night’s home loss to Los Angeles. Many were hopeful that missing Thursday’s game would mean Clark could play on Friday, but that wasn’t the case.

Fever head coach Stephanie White spoke after the game and emphasized the importance of Clark’s long-term health.

“We’re thinking about the big picture,” Sides told the IndyStar. “I feel for the fans who came hoping to see her out there. We want them to see Caitlin at her best, and that means making the smart call for her recovery.”

Clark remains day-to-day. Tuesday is the Commissioner’s Cup Championship, with the Indiana Fever taking on the Minnesota Lynx, another game fans are circling on their calendars. Clark is currently listed as questionable.

White also added, “We hate to disappoint fans, but Caitlin’s well-being comes first.”

Through nine games this season, Clark is averaging 18.2 points per game, second on the team behind Kelsey Mitchell.

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