Caitlin Clark’s frustrating season continued Wednesday, as she made a lackluster return from her second injury absence due to a groin strain. In a match against the Golden State Valkyries, Clark played for 25 minutes, scoring 10 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out six assists but also committed four turnovers. The Indiana Fever lost the game 80-61.

“It’s gonna take me a second to get my wind back. There’s not really anything that can replicate it other than a true game. I felt pretty good, I was trying to play shorter stints, but sometimes it’s almost harder to sit on the bench and then come back into the game, so it’s just kind of finding a balance with that.”
“It’s going to take me a little while to recover my rhythm.”

Overall, the Fever struggled offensively, shooting just 30.9% from the field, including a dismal 22.2% from three-point range, marking the second time this season the Valkyries effectively shut down Clark and the Fever.

The Valkyries not only limited Clark’s scoring opportunities but also demonstrated physicality throughout the game. Coach Natalie Nakase emphasized the team’s strategy of playing disruptively against a top perimeter player. The Valkyries continue to showcase their defensive skills, ranking second in the league with a defensive rating of 97.3.

This victory has increased the Valkyries’ standing in the league to sixth place, with a 10-9 record, making them strong contenders for a playoff spot in their inaugural season.

Physical Defense

Clark struggled against the Valkyries’ physical defense, similar to their previous match where they held her to 11 points on 3 of 14 shooting. Nakase cited her team’s ability to disrupt Clark, knowing her tendencies and effectively using multiple defenders against her throughout the game.

Controlling the Paint

While the Fever lead the league in points scored in the paint, the Valkyries managed to restrict their scoring to a season-low of 26 points in that area. The Valkyries excelled in shutting down paint access and enforced congestion in driving lanes, forcing lower percentage shots from the Fever.

Winning the Rebounding Battle

Despite being smaller in size, the Valkyries excel at rebounding, ranking third in both offensive and defensive rebounding rates. They dominated the boards against the Fever, out-rebounding them 47-36, underscoring their tenacity in controlling the game’s tempo and possessions.

The Valkyries’ performance displayed their commitment to teamwork, effort, and strategic defensive plays, positioning them for greater success as the season progresses.