Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark exits game with back injury

Caitlin Clark did not return to the Indiana Fever's matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday after exiting in the third quarter with a back injury. The Fever fell 111-109, and head coach Stephanie White questioned the officiating after Clark was pushed in the neck, saying she was unsure whether the contact contributed to the injury. > "I'm not sure if it had any impact on her health or not," White said, "But it was egregious... Egregious and utterly disrespectful. ... We have a generational talent and a WNBA superstar who had two cheap shots right there that weren't called. And I just say again, absolutely unacceptable." Clark has dealt with a back problem for most of the season, missing time in May. She previously described the condition as both a physical and mental challenge, noting that her back felt better but that she needed patience and support. This was the first game this month she was forced to leave because of the back issue. Now in her third season, Clark is averaging 21.3 points and 8.2 assists per game. The Fever remain in a playoff position, sixth with a 10-7 record, but the margin over the ninth-placed Los Angeles Sparks is narrow, making her availability critical for the team.