Caitlin Clark won't play in WNBA All-Star Game. Latest injury update
"I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can't participate in the 3-Point contest or the All-Star Game. I have to rest my body. I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I'm looking forward to helping Sandy (Liberty coach Brondello) coach our team to a win."
Clark was set to be the centerpiece of the All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. She was named a captain after receiving the most fan votes and immediately drafted teammates Boston (starter) and Mitchell (reserve) to her team. Clark said they planned on making this "the best All-Star that the WNBA has ever had," but she will now be cheering on her team from the sidelines as they face Team Naphessa Collier without her.
"It's a big deal for us to have All-Star in Indianapolis, of course with Caitlin being a focal point of all that," White said on Thursday. "As the coach of the Indiana Fever, it's not a bigger deal than our long-term season."
What happened?
Clark appeared to injure her groin in the final minute of the Fever's 85-77 win over the Sun on Tuesday in Boston. After a bounce pass to Kelsey Mitchell for a layup with 39.1 seconds remaining, Clark held the inside of her right thigh before walking over and banging her head against the stanchion in apparent frustration. Clark walked to the Fever bench, where she put a towel over her head.
White confirmed Clark "felt a little something in her groin." She was subsequently ruled out of the Fever's road matchup against the New York Liberty on Wednesday.
"The most important thing for us is to keep her upbeat, continue to support her and let her know we got her back and let her know we're going to go battle for her," White said on. "Being injured and continuing to have setbacks is frustrating. Mentally, emotionally."
Who will replace Caitlin Clark?
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will name a replacement for Clark in both the All-Star game and 3-point competition.
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