On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Caitlin Clark made a triumphant return to the court, leading the Indiana Fever to a resounding 108–44 victory over the Brazil national team in her preseason debut. The game, held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, marked a homecoming for Clark, who dazzled fans with an impressive performance that included 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists in just over 18 minutes of play.
This preseason opener was particularly anticipated, as it showcased Clark’s return after she missed the Fever’s first preseason game against the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, May 3, 2025, due to a leg injury. However, all concerns about her fitness seemed to dissipate as she took the court on Sunday, demonstrating her readiness for the upcoming season.
"She's been limited in practice, so we're still very cautious about working her way back and really letting her body kind of tell her how much she's able to do," said Fever head coach Stephanie White on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. "We're really relying on the training staff, and she's making great progress." Clark’s return is a significant boost for the Fever, who are looking to build on the momentum from her Rookie of the Year campaign last season.
As the Fever prepare to face the Atlanta Dream again on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the excitement surrounding Clark's potential participation is palpable. After a week of limited practice, Clark expressed optimism about her condition. "I feel good and I’m excited to get out there and play again tomorrow," she said on Friday, May 9, 2025. While her presence on the court is highly anticipated, the Fever's coaching staff is prioritizing her long-term health over immediate game play.
The Fever's upcoming matchup against the Dream will serve as their final preseason game, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET at the Gateway Center in College Park. Clark's ability to build chemistry with her new teammates will be crucial as the Fever have undergone significant changes since last season, retaining only four players from her rookie year. This offseason, the organization made a pivotal decision in hiring Stephanie White as their new head coach, aiming to revitalize the team’s performance.
Meanwhile, the Dream, who were swept out of the playoffs last season by the New York Liberty, are also looking to make a statement this preseason. They secured a victory in their first preseason game against Washington, winning 80-70 on May 7, 2025. Brittney Griner led Atlanta with a strong performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play, while Rhyne Howard contributed 14 points and a plus-23 rating.
As both teams head into this final preseason contest, the stakes are high. The Fever are eager to solidify their roster and strategies before the regular season begins, while the Dream aim to continue their momentum from their recent victory. The Fever’s season opener is set for May 17, 2025, against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, with tip-off at 3 p.m. ET. This matchup promises to be an exciting start to the season, and Clark’s performance in the preseason will be a critical factor in setting the tone for the Fever’s campaign.
In summary, Caitlin Clark’s return to the court has generated significant buzz among fans and analysts alike. As she prepares for the final preseason game against the Atlanta Dream, all eyes will be on her to see how she integrates with her new teammates and how she manages her recovery from injury. The Fever's journey this season, under the guidance of a new coach and with a revamped roster, will undoubtedly be one to watch.
