Fever: Clark & Cunningham Return Timelines
- The Indiana Fever are poised to be near full strength as Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham are expected to play Saturday against the New York Liberty. Both players...
- Clark has been sidelined with a quad injury sustained May 24 against the Liberty, causing her to miss the Fever's last five games.
- "I felt like today was better than yesterday in terms of just movement and balance and feeling like she’s getting back into rhythm, timing, all of those things,"...
Clark, Cunningham Return: Fever look to Upset Liberty
The Indiana Fever are poised to be near full strength as Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham are expected to play Saturday against the New York Liberty. Both players participated in practice Friday, and coach Stephanie white said that, barring any setbacks, they will suit up.
Clark has been sidelined with a quad injury sustained May 24 against the Liberty, causing her to miss the Fever’s last five games. Cunningham re-aggravated a preseason ankle injury two games later against the Sun and has missed the past three games. The Fever went 2-3 during Clark’s absence.
“I felt like today was better than yesterday in terms of just movement and balance and feeling like she’s getting back into rhythm, timing, all of those things,” White said of Clark. “Provided that we don’t have any regression, she’s going to be ready to roll.”
white added, “Sophie looked really good. Her timing was good…They both look good.”
The return of Clark and Cunningham led to the waiving of Aari McDonald, who was signed under an emergency hardship contract. McDonald averaged 11 points in three games for Indiana. The team officially waived her Friday.
“She’s going to find a spot,” White said. “She’s been the ultimate pro…She’s a dog and we’re going to miss her certainly.”
Despite the return of Clark and cunningham, dewanna Bonner was absent from Friday’s practice due to personal reasons and is not expected to play against the Liberty. “I think she’s doing as well as she can be,” White said. “We’re going to continue to support her and give her the time that she needs.”
The Fever have a slim chance of making the Commissioner’s Cup final, but they must defeat the Liberty, who are currently undefeated at 9-0 with an average margin of victory of 19 points. The Fever lost to the Liberty 90-88 in their last meeting.
What’s next
The Fever face a tough challenge against the Liberty, but the return of key players could shift the team’s dynamic.