WNBA preseason opener ends early after Caitlin Clark exits court following collision

The Indiana Fever's preseason home opener against the Dallas Wings concluded with a 95-80 defeat, marked by an early exit for star guard Caitlin Clark. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Dallas forward Alanna Smith made contact with Clark's leg during a shot attempt.

Officials reviewed the play and assessed the contact as a flagrant one foul. Clark scored two free throws following the call before leaving the court. She stated immediately after the incident that she felt good despite landing hard on her kneecap and remained available for the bench to watch the remainder of the match.

Fever coach Stephanie White confirmed that the team had planned for Clark to enter around the third quarter anyway, noting her departure was an extra precaution. All-Star centre Aliyah Boston was also held out for the second consecutive game due to a lower leg injury, further limiting the Fever's available roster strength.

The game marked Clark's first home appearance in more than nine months since sustaining a right groin injury in July. That injury had previously forced her to miss the All-Star Game and the final 22 regular-season games. Although attendance was lower than usual for a Clark home game, the event took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers scored 20 points in 20 minutes, while rookie Azzi Fudd added four points. The Wings used a significant second-quarter run to seize control of the contest, a performance that suggests potential improvement for the team.

Clark finished with 21 points in 16 minutes before her exit, including 14 points in the first quarter. Her comments regarding officiating indicated an expectation that foul calls would decrease as the season progresses, though the early termination of her playing time remains a point of observation for the franchise.