Caitlin Clark Exits Early with Back Injury as Fever Fall to Mercury
Caitlin Clark back injury Fever Mercury
The Indiana Fever suffered a significant setback on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as star guard Caitlin Clark was forced to leave the game against the Phoenix Mercury due to a lingering back injury. Clark, who had been listed as a game-time decision prior to tip-off, appeared to aggravate the injury during the second quarter after drawing a foul on a three-point attempt. Despite evident discomfort, she remained on the court until the 5:15 mark of the third quarter before heading to the locker room for the remainder of the contest.
Prior to her departure, Clark delivered a strong performance, recording 19 points and eight assists in just 20 minutes of action on 5-for-9 shooting. Her early exit proved costly for the Fever, who ultimately lost a high-scoring battle to the Mercury by a final score of 111-109 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Phoenix was led by Kahleah Copper, who contributed 28 points, including a clutch performance from the free-throw line, while Alyssa Thomas added 24 points and eight assists to secure the victory for the visitors.
The injury is particularly concerning for Indiana supporters, as Clark has been managing the back issue for an extended period. The Fever have frequently listed her on injury reports throughout the 2026 season, raising questions about her long-term availability as the team pushes for playoff positioning. Following the loss, the Fever’s record stands at 10-8, and the organization is expected to monitor Clark’s status closely in the coming days ahead of their next matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks.
