Caitlin Clark is taking her time, but the heat is coming

Stats don’t always tell the full story of a player—or a game. In the case of Indiana Fever’s star, Caitlin Clark, she’s clearly ready to get back in the mix after missing time due to a groin strain.

Sunday marked Caitlin Clark’s third game after a two-week absence. Her role was modest on paper—14 points on 4-of-12 shooting—but her impact on the court was undeniable. Clark ran the show as if she’d never been sidelined, helping close out a dominant 102–83 win over the Dallas Wings.

Locked in for what’s coming

Caitlin Clark may not be hitting her shots just yet, but her vision and pace haven’t skipped a beat. According to Athlon Sports, her stat line included 13 assists, key passes, and a firm grip on Indiana’s tempo.

On the other side stood Paige Bueckers—a big-name opponent with legit talent—who finished the game with 21 points and some strong moments. But that duel was just the surface. What truly stood out is that Caitlin Clark isn’t at full strength… and she’s still making things happen.

A warning worth listening to

“I probably didn’t shoot as well as I would’ve liked,” Caitlin Clark admitted after the game. “But I feel like I’m getting there. I’m just a couple of shots away from having a really good game.” And it wasn’t empty talk. Indiana has won its last two matchups with Clark still ramping up. Once she’s locked in, opposing teams better brace themselves.

caitlin: “i still didn’t shoot it as good as i would’ve liked, but i feel like it’s coming. just gotta continue to get my legs under me—i feel like i’m a couple shots away from having a really good game. i thought my playmaking was really good.” pic.twitter.com/ywlkFmWt6X

— cc akgae (@clrkszn) July 13, 2025

While plenty of chatter centers around Caitlin Clark’s shooting slump—31.7% from the field and 26.3% from three since her return—you can’t ignore the leadership and poise she brings. This version of Fever might be even more dangerous when the scoring burden is shared. Against Dallas, five different players hit double figures.

Off the court, the media spotlight still fuels the Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese narrative. Although Clark steers clear of the drama, things heat up every time both names share a headline. For now, Indiana Fevers looks more and more like a legit contender. And it’s happening while their star is still warming up.