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Caitlin Clark to miss WNBA All-Star Game and 3-point contest because of groin injury
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- Caitlin Clark to miss WNBA All-Star Game and 3-point contest because of groin injury
The Indiana Fever announced Caitlin Clark will not participate in the WNBA All-Star Game or the 3-point competition after injuring her right groin in the Fever's win over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday.
The 2025 WNBA All-Star game will be held in Indianapolis for the first time in league history, with Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell selected to represent the Indiana Fever , tying the Seattle Storm for the most All-Star representatives this year. The untimely injury, however, has thrown a wrench into things.
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"I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can't participate in the 3-Point contest or the All-Star Game. I have to rest my body." Clark said. "I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I'm looking forward to helping Sandy (Liberty coach Brondello) coach our team to a win."
Fever head coach Stephanie White said "Caitlin and her team" ultimately made the decision to prioritize her long-term health after missing 11 total games with various injuries, including a left groin injury and left quad strain.
Clark was set to be the centerpiece of the All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. She was named a captain after receiving the most fan votes and drafted teammates Boston (starter) and Mitchell (reserve) to her team. Clark said they planned on making this "the best All-Star that the WNBA has ever had," but she will now be cheering on her team from the sidelines as they face Team Napheesa Collier .
WNBA ALL-STAR GAME PLAYERS: Full rosters for Team Clark and Team Collier
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"It's a big deal for us to have All-Star in Indianapolis, of course with Caitlin being a focal point of all that," White said on Thursday. "As the coach of the Indiana Fever, it's not a bigger deal than our long-term season."
What happened?
Clark appeared to injure her groin in the final minute of the Fever's 85-77 win over the Sun on Tuesday in Boston. After a bounce pass to Kelsey Mitchell for a layup with 39.1 seconds remaining, Clark held the inside of her right thigh before walking over and banging her head against the stanchion in apparent frustration. Clark walked to the Fever bench, where she put a towel over her head.
White confirmed Clark "felt a little something in her groin." She was subsequently ruled out of the Fever's road matchup against the New York Liberty on Wednesday.
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"The most important thing for us is to keep her upbeat, continue to support her and let her know we got her back and let her know we're going to go battle for her," White said. "Being injured and continuing to have setbacks is frustrating. Mentally, emotionally."
Who will replace Caitlin Clark?
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert selected replacements for Clark and Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally (ankle) on Thursday, July 17. Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes and Atlanta Dream forward Brionna Jones were added to the Team Clark roster.
Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride was added as a replacement for the Dream's Rhyne Howard earlier this week. Howard, who was selected to Team Collier, suffered a left knee injury during the Dream's July 11 game against the Fever. The Dream have since confirmed that she will be sidelined through the remainder of July.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caitlin Clark won't play in WNBA All-Star Game. Latest injury update
