Caitlin Clark withdraws from the All-Star weekend because of a groin problem
In a disappointing turn of events for the Indiana Fever and the WNBA, star guard Caitlin Clark has been forced to withdraw from the All-Star weekend, due to a new injury to her right groin. The injury occurred in the final minute of the Fever's win over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night.
Clark, who is the captain of one of the All-Star teams and the leading vote getter from fans for the All-Star Game, had been playing despite having four different muscle injuries this year. Prior to this setback, she had returned to play on June 14 but then sustained an injury to her left groin that kept her out for four contests and the Commissioner's Cup final.
The details of her recovery from her previous injuries, as well as the current injury status and recovery timeline, are not provided in the article. However, it was reported that she underwent imaging for her right groin injury on Wednesday afternoon.
Stephanie White, Fever coach, considered the imaging results as good news but deferred to the team's training staff for more details. During the game when she was injured, Clark walked downcourt holding her right groin after assisting on the Fever's final basket.
Clark's absence is significant as she has been a key contributor to the league's increase in attendance and ratings over the last two seasons. In the game that she missed, the Fever lost to New York 98-77.
The 2022 WNBA season was the first for Clark, as she did not enter the league until 2023, having just finished her junior year in college. During her college career, she had experienced an ankle injury in a game against Kansas State on November 18, 2022. However, she played in Iowa's next game, suggesting a quick recovery.
Despite the setback, fans and teammates alike are hopeful for a speedy recovery for Clark. In a message posted on social media, Clark expressed her sadness and disappointment about missing the All-Star Game and 3-Point Contest. She also displayed visible signs of distress, including banging her head against the basket stanchion and appearing to hold back tears during a timeout.
The Indiana Fever and the WNBA will continue to update fans on Clark's progress and recovery. In the meantime, fans can look forward to the All-Star Game, which is set to take place on July 10.
The injury to Caitlin Clark's right groin has derailed her participation in the WNBA All-Star weekend, leaving a void in basketball and the WNBA's proceedings. Despite her recent history of muscle injuries, Clark had been persisting in sports, making her a significant contributor to the league's growth in attendance and ratings.
