Caitlin Clark Exits Game Early Due to Back Issue

Caitlin Clark’s game ended abruptly on Wednesday as she left the matchup against the Phoenix Mercury before the fourth quarter. The Fever confirmed Clark would not return, citing a back problem.

It’s not clear when her back troubles began, though she seemed to worsen it following a second-quarter foul. According to the Indianapolis Star, Clark left the court with over five minutes left in the third quarter and did not play again.

Caitlin Clark from the Indiana Fever was dribbling the ball, defended by Lexi Held of the Phoenix Mercury, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. After leaving the court, she headed to the locker room.

With Clark not playing, the Mercury rallied to narrowly defeat Indiana 111-109. This victory marked only Phoenix’s sixth win of the season. Kelsey Mitchell scored 30 points for the Fever, while Kahleah Copper’s 28 points contributed to the Mercury’s triumph.

The physical play Clark has faced has been a topic since her WNBA debut in 2024. This discussion renewed when she got fouled during a drive to the basket, leading to a loss of ball control. Video replays showed Thomas’ knee hitting Clark’s groin and what seemed like a fist contacting Clark’s throat, but no foul was called.

Clark’s back issues are not new. She has often appeared on Indiana’s injury reports for the same reason this season. The Fever will continue their homestand against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday.