Caitlin Clark is still searching for her rhythm after returning from injury, and the numbers reflect just how difficult her comeback has been. In her first three games back, Clark has struggled to regain the shooting touch that made her one of the WNBA's biggest stars. She has shot just 3-for-19 from beyond the arc and has failed to score more than 13 points in any of those contests.
Clark believes part of those struggles stems from taking a hard hit that wasn't called by the officials. "The ref can't miss that ... then I have to play with a contusion in my leg the rest of the game," Clark said afterward. "It's ridiculous. ... [The ref] said I initiated the contact. Which is fine, but you can't knee me in the leg. Knock me over."
The Fever guard has clearly not looked like herself offensively since returning, lacking the efficiency and explosiveness that defined her play before the injury. While opponents have continued to key in on her, the lingering effects of her injury appear to have made matters even more difficult.
Despite the slow start, there's little reason to believe Clark won't bounce back. Elite shooters often need time to rediscover their rhythm after missing games, and with the second half of the season approaching, Indiana will be counting on its franchise star to return to form. For now, though, Clark is battling through both tough defenses and lingering soreness as she works her way back to full strength.
