The start of the 2026 WNBA season has been challenging for the Indiana Fever and their star player, Caitlin Clark. After missing most of 2025, expectations were high for Clark to return to her rookie form. Though she began the season strongly, her performance soon became inconsistent.
Initially, Clark scored over 20 points in five consecutive games. However, her performance dropped in the following four matches. Despite her 22-point game against the Golden State Valkyries, marked by nine assists and a 44% shooting rate from 3-point range, she struggled to maintain her early momentum. Notably, she accumulated five turnovers in a Valkyries rematch and scored only six points against the Portland Fire on May 30.
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During a game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 6, 2026, Clark exemplified this struggle. She scored 10 points on 28.6% field goal shooting, with a 33.3% success rate from three-point range, three turnovers, and five fouls. Still, she contributed nine assists and seven rebounds, showcasing her ability to impact the game even when not scoring well.
Leading into Monday, her shooting was off, making only 14 out of 50 attempts, and just 6 out of 22 from beyond the arc. With a 5-5 record, Monday night’s game against the Washington Mystics was a chance for Clark to regain form, which she did.
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Clark started strong, scoring 10 points in the first quarter, including 2 out of 5 three-pointers. Although she spent limited time in the second quarter, she still impressed with a remarkable pass leading to a Myisha Hines-Allen layup.
In the second half, Clark displayed her renowned shooting skills. During the third quarter, she completed a 25-foot jump shot despite interference by Cassandre Prosper, who committed a non-flagrant foul. Clark seized the opportunity for a rare four-point play.
As the Fever built a significant lead, the Mystics clawed back, reducing the gap to two points by mid-fourth quarter, and leading by one with a minute to play. A loose ball foul then allowed the Mystics to take a one-point lead. Clark, drawing contact in the lane, had the chance to reclaim the lead for the Fever but missed both free throws.
Even with her shooting challenges, Clark’s game awareness remained sharp. Following a Mystics’ turnover, she delivered a superb half-court pass to Aliyah Boston, giving the Fever a 75-74 lead.
The Mystics briefly regained the lead due to a late foul, but then Clark delivered the decisive moment. After receiving a precise cross-court pass from Sophie Cunningham, she successfully made a 31-foot shot, securing a 78-76 victory for the Fever.
Monday’s performance significantly aligned more with Clark’s expected form: 19 points on 7 out of 16 shooting, including 4 out of 10 from 3-point range, along with five assists and a steal. This performance, coupled with the game-winning three-pointer, was a crucial win for the Fever.
The team’s record now stands at 6-5, as they prepare to face the Chicago Sky on Thursday.
Ian Miller reports for OutKick.