Why Caitlin Clark is not playing against Valkyries

"I want to see her continue to work to not just build endurance, but to be able to handle contact 94 feet as it's going to be in-game, and to be able to do that and sustain from an endurance standpoint, Fever coach Stephanie White said on Tuesday. That's going to take multiple practices to make sure that there's no regression. And, as most of us know, when we get fatigued, we look different, and see how she plays through fatigue."

"Arguably the biggest star in the WNBA will not suit up against the Valkyries on Sunday. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark will be sidelined for an 18th consecutive game with a groin injury. Clark has not played since July 15, when Indiana faced the Sun and Clark shot 4 of 14 from the field. The top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft has participated in recent walkthroughs, but has not practiced with the team."

Caitlin Clark will miss Indiana's game against the Valkyries, extending her absence to 18 games because of a groin injury. Clark last played on July 15, shooting 4 of 14 against the Sun, and has taken part in walkthroughs but not full practices. Coach Stephanie White said Clark needs multiple practices to rebuild endurance, handle full-court contact, and demonstrate sustainable performance through fatigue without regression. In 13 games this season Clark averaged 16.5 points and 8.8 assists on 36.7% shooting. The Fever were 21-18 and holding the No. 6 seed while the Valkyries were 20-18 and eighth.

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