"She is back" - WNBA fans go giddy with excitement about Caitlin Clark hitting three pointers in practice as she closes in on return from injury

Caitlin Clark traveled to Los Angeles with her Indiana Fever teammates for Friday’s game against the LA Sparks. While fans hoped she would get the green light to play, the team announced a day before the showdown that she would not be available. Clark will miss her 17th straight game due to a right groin injury.

Although Clark had been ruled out, she joined Fever teammates in practice.

A clip of the All-Star point guard effortlessly hitting a 3-pointer prompted fans to react:

“She is back.”

One fan said:

Another fan added:

One more fan continued:

Another fan reacted:

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White has said on multiple occasions that the team is hoping Caitlin Clark returns to close the regular season. Still, White never gave a fixed timetable for her prized point guard’s next appearance. The coach insisted on Thursday that the Fever would remain extra cautious with her, claiming she needs to see Clark have more practices without regression.

The IndyStar reported on Wednesday that Clark has been doing “low-impact, non-contact drills” as she ramps up her possible return. According to WNBA insider Chloe Peterson, the former Iowa superstar has been part of walkthroughs heading into the Fever’s crucial three-game road swing.

The Fever have two more road games after the clash with the LA Sparks. They will face the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday before visiting the Phoenix Mercury two nights later.

Indiana fans can't wait for Caitlin Clark to return to help the injury-riddled team push for a playoff spot.

Caitlin Clark sat out in Indiana Fever’s three losses to LA Sparks this season

The Indiana Fever will try to earn a playoff spot despite facing a tough schedule to close the regular season. On Friday, they will face a team they have not beaten in three attempts. Caitlin Clark sat out in her team’s 0-3 record against the LA Sparks this season.

In the final regular-season meeting between the Fever and the Sparks, the visiting team hopes to break the trend. Without Clark again, they are looking to get over the hump behind All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.

Mitchell and Boston have been superb in the three losses to LA, but they badly need help to finally get one over Kelsey Plum Co. Natasha Howard, Lexie Hull and former Sparks players Odyssey Sim and Shey Peddy have to step up.

The Fever will have a better chance of winning if Aerial Powers and Chloe Bibby, who has been cleared to play, can make more significant contributions.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero