May 9, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
History was made as the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings both scored 100+ points for the first time in WNBA history. Despite another standout performance from Caitlin Clark, the Fever star struggled from three-point range and appeared frustrated by the lack of calls on her perimeter shots.
On Saturday, Clark finished with 20 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds on 7-of-18 shooting, though she also committed 5 turnovers. Despite the defeat, the Fever star remained optimistic after the game.
"We’re not going to hang our heads. We’re going to move forward. A lot to be proud of," Clark told reporters in a clip shared by NBA Courtside on X recently.
However, she turned to a more serious concern and appeared to question the officiating when asked about driving to the basket more than usual in this game. "If they’re going to call it the way they’re gonna call it this year, I honestly think I could’ve gotten a couple more calls on a few of them, but that’s okay," said Clark.
Her comments could potentially catch the attention of the WNBA, which has previously fined players, including Sophie Cunningham, for publicly criticizing referees on social media and her podcasts back in 2025.
Regardless, after an injury-riddled 2025 season that limited CC to just 13 games due to quad and groin issues, the Fever star said she felt physically strong again despite a slow start to Saturday’s opener.
"I feel good," Clark said. "Started off a little slow, I think, just the anxiety of the first game, trying to work through that. But overall, I felt good, felt fast out there."
However, the biggest concern for Indiana Fever fans was not the loss. It was seeing Caitlin Clark repeatedly head toward the locker room during the game.
Stephanie White breaks silence on Caitlin Clark's mid-game locker room visits
After everything Caitlin Clark went through last season, fans immediately feared the worst. However, Fever head coach Stephaniw White downplayed any major concern and described the exits as routine in-game treatment.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White talks with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Saturday, May 2, 2026, during the first half of a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White talks with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Saturday, May 2, 2026, during the first half of a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
"It’s just part of maintaining the body. This is going to be an ongoing thing, and not just her," White said post-game.
Clark, just like the head coach, later eased concerns and said the locker room visits were only part of routine physical adjustments during the game. She made it clear she was feeling good and was not dealing with any new injury setback.
With the Indiana Fever now sitting at 0-1, attention quickly shifts to their next matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 13, where fans will be eager to see how Caitlin Clark responds after an eventful season opener.
How do you think the Indiana Fever will respond against the Los Angeles Sparks after this opener? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Sauramita Debbarma
Edited by
Yask Kotak