India, May 26 -- Caitlin Clark may have only missed one game for the Indiana Fever this season, but the brief absence quickly became one of the biggest talking points around the WNBA. The Fever star was unexpectedly ruled out shortly before tipoff against the Portland Fire on May 20 because of lower back stiffness, marking the first game she had missed all year. Although the sudden scratch sparked concern among fans, Clark returned just two days later and immediately looked back to her usual self.

The two-time All-Star wasted little time silencing worries about her fitness, logging 32 minutes and finishing with 22 points and nine assists in Indiana's win over the Golden State Valkyries. Speaking to reporters this week, Clark admitted she...