The Indiana Fever fell to the Phoenix Mercury in a hard‑fought 111–109 loss on Wednesday, June 24. But beyond the scoreline, the spotlight turned to head coach Stephanie White’s decision to bench Caitlin Clark late in the second quarter and her sudden exit in the third.

Veteran journalist Jason Whitlock took to X, demanding answers.

"Stephanie White mysteriously sat Caitlin at the end of the second quarter. And Caitlin Clark mysteriously exited the game midway through the third. Somebody has got some explaining to do," Whitlock wrote on X.

Clark had already tallied 19 points, eight assists, and a steal before leaving. Whitlock’s skepticism fueled intrigue, but the explanation came later.

Clark exited due to back soreness.

Clark was seen holding her back after a challenge from Phoenix's Valeriane Ayayi came in the second quarter. With 6:25 left in the second quarter, Clark attempted a three‑pointer and landed awkwardly on Phoenix’s Valeriane Ayayi’s foot, grabbing her back in pain.

She was then sat by White in the second quarter with a minute and 56 seconds remaining for the second quarter to end. She exited with five minutes and 15 seconds remaining in the third quarter, due to ongoing back issues.

Clark has been dealing with a back problem since the start of the season. Also, becoming ineligible for a game.

Caitlin Clark's Persistent Back Problem This Season

The two-time All-Star also exited the first game of the Fever against the Dallas Wings, which the Fever lost 107-104. Clark also clarified about her exit on May 9, saying she went to get her back adjusted.

"This is going to be an ongoing thing. And not just her," White said about Clark's exit on May 9, as per USA Today. "We have multiple players who have gone back − we don't have the blue tent, but they're going to go back and get adjusted and make sure that the body's working."

She was again listed out of the game against the Portland Fire on May 20, following the same back issues. WNBA also warned the Fever about the same, as Indiana weren't able to report the injury on time in their injury report.

This raises concerns about the 2024 Rookie of the Year's fitness.

If we look at last year, she played just 13 games in 2025 due to injuries to her left and right groin and ankle. She also sustained an injury to her left quadraceps last year.

The Fever fans will hope for a speedy recovery for Clark. She has been crucial this season for them, averaging 21.2 points, 8.3 assists, and four rebounds per game.

The Fever will face the Los Angeles Sparks next on Saturday, June 27.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Koushik Biswas