Caitlin Clark returned to the court with authority—and the Indiana Fever sent a message to the entire WNBA.
In what was already a highly anticipated matchup, the Indiana Fever stunned the previously undefeated New York Liberty with a thrilling win, handing the league’s hottest team their first loss of the season. But what made the victory even sweeter? It happened on the same night that rookie sensation Caitlin Clark made her much-anticipated return from injury.
Let’s set the stage.
The Liberty entered the contest with a perfect record, dominating opponents with their elite scoring, defense, and chemistry. Led by stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, New York had quickly looked like the team to beat in 2025. Their offense was crisp. Their defense? Relentless. But on this particular night in Indianapolis, the momentum shifted—and it had everything to do with the return of No. 22.
Caitlin Clark, who had missed the past few games due to a minor ankle injury, wasted no time in reminding the league why she’s one of the most electrifying players in basketball. From the moment she stepped onto the court, there was a buzz in the building. And it didn’t take long for her to ignite the crowd.
She came out aggressive, hitting her first three-pointer just two minutes into the game. From there, she kept her foot on the gas—distributing the ball, pushing the pace, and draining step-back jumpers that had Liberty defenders shaking their heads. Every time New York tried to go on a run, Clark responded, either with a deep bomb from beyond the arc or a slick assist to one of her teammates cutting backdoor. The Fever looked locked in, and Clark looked like she hadn’t missed a step.
By the end of the night, Caitlin had tallied 27 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds—one of her best all-around games as a pro. But more than the stats, it was her impact that told the story. Her presence energized the entire squad. Teammates like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell fed off her confidence, and the Fever played with the kind of unity and belief that had been building all season but hadn’t quite clicked—until now.
Aliyah Boston in particular had a monster night, posting 21 points and 12 rebounds while anchoring the defense and battling down low with Jonquel Jones. Mitchell added timely buckets and elite perimeter defense, harassing Ionescu into a rough shooting night. Defensively, the Fever were sharp, rotating quickly and communicating on every possession.
For all of New York’s firepower, Indiana had the edge in heart and hustle. And in the fourth quarter, it showed.
With under five minutes to go and the Liberty leading by two, Clark took over. First, she split a double team and hit a floater in the lane. Next possession, she nailed a long three from the logo, bringing the crowd to its feet. Then she delivered a no-look pass to Boston for an easy layup. Just like that, the Fever flipped the game and seized control.
The Liberty tried to respond, but Clark’s fingerprints were all over the final moments. With 30 seconds left and the game on the line, she drew a foul while pulling up for another deep three. Calmly, she sank all three free throws, sealing the win and capping off a performance that will be replayed for weeks.
As the buzzer sounded, the crowd in Gainbridge Fieldhouse erupted. Players mobbed Clark at midcourt. Fever fans—many of whom had worn her college jersey during her Iowa days—were loud and proud. The win improved Indiana’s record and, more importantly, proved that this young team is not to be overlooked. They’re building something special, and Caitlin Clark is the engine driving it.
Postgame, Clark was emotional but focused.
“Honestly, it just felt great to be back out there with my teammates,” she said. “We’ve been through a lot early in the season, but we believe in each other. Tonight wasn’t just about me—it was about all of us stepping up. And I’m just so proud of this group.”
Fever head coach Christie Sides echoed the sentiment.
“She’s a game-changer,” Sides said of Clark. “The way she controls tempo, sees the floor, and steps up in big moments—she makes everyone around her better. And tonight, you saw that in action.”
For the Liberty, it was a tough but humbling night. Breanna Stewart finished with 19 points but struggled to find her rhythm in the second half. Ionescu had just 11 on 3-for-12 shooting. The Liberty will surely bounce back—they’re too talented not to—but this game served as a reminder that the road to a championship won’t be smooth.
Meanwhile, for Indiana, the win could mark a turning point.
After a rocky start to the season, the Fever finally have their core healthy and clicking. And with Caitlin Clark back in the mix, they look ready to climb the standings.
One thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s return wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a spark for an entire team. And if the Fever can bottle up the energy, intensity, and execution they showed in this victory, they’re going to be a problem for every contender in the league.
So yes, the Liberty are no longer undefeated.
And yes, the Fever are officially on the rise.
But most of all?
Caitlin Clark is back. And the WNBA better be ready.
