Caitlin Clark injured on meaningless play — why was she still in the game up 8 with 12 seconds left?

In what can only be described as another brutal stroke of bad luck for the WNBA’s biggest star, Caitlin Clark missed last night’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks after suffering a groin injury during the final seconds of Tuesday’s win over the Seattle Storm.

Yes, final seconds. Yes, they were already up eight. Yes, this probably didn’t have to happen. The Indiana Fever announced the injury Thursday morning, with head coach Stephanie White saying Clark is “day-to-day” with a groin issue. This is now her second injury of the season, after missing five games earlier due to a quad problem.

The real question here is: what the hell are we supposed to watch on a Friday night if Caitlin Clark isn’t on our television screens? We were supposed to get the highly anticipated Clark vs. Paige Bueckers matchup, with the entire sports world tuned in. But thanks to what happened Tuesday night, that showdown might be on hold.

Anyways, let’s address what happened here.

The Caitlin Clark injury that should have never happened

This looks like the play Caitlin Clark got injured (left groin). The Fever were up 8 with 12 secs left 🙃 pic.twitter.com/4UUSHQRuCv

— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) June 26, 2025

Clark appeared to tweak something while making a sharp cut to get open in the backcourt with about 12 seconds left and her team already in control. She stumbled to the floor, grimaced in pain, and clearly looked shaken.

It was one of those “why is she even still in the game?” type of moments.

And while I really don’t want to place blame on Fever head coach Stephanie White—because I do think she’s a good coach, especially compared to Christie Sides last year—it still feels like a poor decision that could’ve been avoided.

Let’s not question the toughness or durability of Clark

Caitlin Clark never missed a single game during her four-year run at Iowa. Not one. And up until this season, that kind of iron-woman durability was a major part of her legend.

Fast forward to the WNBA, and she’s already been sidelined for six games due to injury — and now we’re potentially looking at a seventh. Clark is officially listed as a game-time decision for tonight’s matchup against the Dallas Wings, a marquee showdown that fans had circled ever since Paige Bueckers was added to the roster.

Whether or not Clark suits up, the bigger concern is clear: the wear and tear is already piling up. And if the Fever don’t start protecting their franchise player better, this won’t be the last time we’re anxiously refreshing Twitter for an injury update.

Join The Chase