Overview
- On Wednesday, July 9, Clark returned from a two-game absence, logged about 16 minutes, scored nine points and committed four turnovers in a 106-92 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.
- The Fever announced Clark would not play the second night of the back-to-back as part of a planned ‘flip-flop’ that alternates her and center Aliyah Boston on consecutive nights.
- Stephanie White said the minutes restriction and three-minute shift pattern are intended to rebuild Clark’s endurance after missed practice and game time rather than risk aggravating the injury.
- Clark criticized the short-shift approach, saying the rotation “was not my decision” and that the frequent substitutions made it hard for her to find a rhythm on the court.
- The back injury traces to a June 24 game against the Phoenix Mercury when Alyssa Thomas made throat contact and later received a one-game suspension, a sequence that has intensified scrutiny of officiating and the Fever’s player‑protection choices as they weigh short‑term results against preserving Clark for the stretch run.