New Delhi, June 25 -- Caitlin Clark left Wednesday's game with a back injury, turning the Indiana Fever's 111-109 loss to the Phoenix Mercury into a bigger story about player protection and officiating. The star guard's exit in the third quarter drew strong criticism from her coach and left the Fever short-handed in a tight contest.

Caitlin Clark first felt the issue in the second quarter after being fouled by Valeriane Ayayi on a three-point attempt. She fell to the floor and rubbed her back as she stood up. Earlier in the game, Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark's neck during a loose-ball scramble, but no foul was called.

The turning point came in the third quarter with the score tied at 67-67. Coach Stephanie White called a timeou...