TL;DR
- Caitlin Clark returned from injury and scored 32 points, tying her career-high seven 3-pointers.
- The Indiana Fever defeated the New York Liberty 102–88, marking the Liberty’s first loss of the season.
- Clark added eight rebounds and nine assists, contributing to Indiana’s record-setting 17 three-pointers.
- Sabrina Ionescu scored a season-high 34 points, but it wasn’t enough for the Liberty to extend their unbeaten streak.
- The Fever’s win halts New York’s hopes of becoming only the fourth WNBA team to start a season 10-0.
Caitlin Clark Returns With Dominant Performance
In her first game back after a three-week injury layoff, Caitlin Clark wasted no time reminding the WNBA of her offensive firepower. The 2024 Rookie of the Year erupted for 32 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists to lead the Indiana Fever to a 102–88 upset win over the previously undefeated New York Liberty.
Clark’s performance included seven made three-pointers, tying her career high from a 2024 matchup against the Washington Mystics. She scored 25 points in the first half alone, igniting Indiana’s best offensive showing of the season.
“That’s what they gave up tonight — they were going to let us shoot threes,” said Clark in the postgame interview. “We made 17 of them, so I think we really took advantage.”
Game Flow: From Liberty’s Hot Start to Fever’s Second-Half Surge
The Liberty jumped out to an early 11-point lead, taking control of the first quarter with efficient ball movement and fast break points. But Clark flipped the script late in the period, initiating a scoring run with a three-point play and then three consecutive deep threes that tied the game.
By halftime, the Fever held a narrow 53–50 lead, despite a strong showing from Sabrina Ionescu, who finished with 34 points, and Breanna Stewart, who added 24.
New York briefly recaptured momentum in the third quarter with a 9-0 run, but Indiana immediately responded with a massive 19-0 counterpunch, fueled by perimeter shooting and Clark’s playmaking.
Kelsey Mitchell contributed 22 points, while Lexie Hull, Aliyah Boston, and Sydney Colson each scored in double figures. Mitchell sealed the game in the fourth quarter with 10 timely points, capping the team’s first triple-digit scoring performance this season.
Key Stats and Records
| Metric/Event | Value | Significance | Source |
| Caitlin Clark Points | 32 | Second-highest of her WNBA career | CNN |
| Three-Pointers Made (Clark) | 7 | Ties career high (June 2024 vs. Mystics) | CNN |
| Fever Team 3-Point Field Goals | 17 of 35 (48.6%) | Franchise record for made threes | WNBA.com |
| Liberty Season Record After Loss | 9–1 | Ended potential 10–0 historic start | ESPN |
| Sabrina Ionescu Points | 34 | Season-high for Ionescu | ESPN |
| Indiana Fever Season Record | 5–5 | Reached .500 for first time in 2025 season | WNBA Stats |
Social Media Buzz: From LeBron to WNBA Analysts
Clark’s comeback drew immediate attention from basketball legends and fans alike. LeBron James celebrated her return on X (formerly Twitter), while WNBA analysts pointed to her impact not just in stats, but also in leadership.
“Don’t we always expect that kind of game from Caitlin?” said Stephanie White, head coach of the Fever, praising Clark’s calm under pressure.
Her emotional maturity, shot selection, and game control stood out, especially after missing five games with a left quad injury. The team went 2-3 without her, underscoring her influence on both ends of the floor.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Clark vs. Liberty Defense
Clark’s 32-point return performance was built on:
- 11-of-21 shooting (52.4%)
- 7-of-13 from three (53.8%)
- 25 first-half points
- 8 rebounds and 9 assists
- Only 2 turnovers
Her effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 69.0% led all players in the game. Meanwhile, Indiana’s team eFG% was 61.4%, thanks largely to their 3-point explosion.
The Liberty entered the game with the league’s second-best defensive rating, but couldn’t adjust to Indiana’s spread offense and early shooting rhythm.
Liberty’s Missed Milestone and What’s Next
The Liberty’s nine-game winning streak to open the 2025 season tied for third-longest in WNBA history. A tenth would’ve placed them in elite company, alongside teams like the 2016 Minnesota Lynx (13-0) and the 1998 Houston Comets (10-0).
Despite the loss, the Liberty remain league leaders, but Saturday’s defeat exposed cracks in defensive transition and perimeter rotation.
Indiana, meanwhile, now sits at 5–5, gaining valuable momentum as the season hits its middle stretch. With Clark healthy and her supporting cast clicking, the Fever look poised to challenge higher-ranked Eastern Conference teams.
Conclusion: Clark’s Return Reignites Indiana’s Season
Caitlin Clark’s emphatic return wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a turning point for the Indiana Fever. Her 32 points, three-point shooting, and leadership helped end the WNBA’s longest active winning streak and reasserted Indiana’s offensive potential.
With the season nearing its halfway mark, this win could mark the beginning of a playoff push, especially if Clark stays healthy and the team maintains its current rhythm.
Whether or not Indiana becomes a title contender in 2025, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark’s presence continues to electrify the WNBA — and opponents better be ready.
