After a Game 1 loss to the Atlanta Dream, the injury-depleted Indiana Fever faced a must-win playoffs situation on Tuesday night.
Those injuries have included WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark, who hasn’t played since mid-July due to a groin injury.
She revealed the unfortunate news that she wouldn’t return to the court near the end of the league’s regular season.
Read more: Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Blasts Skip Bayless for Clout Chaser Take
Some fans hoped that Clark, last year’s No. 1 pick and WNBA Rookie of the Year, would suit up in time for the postseason.
On Tuesday, she arrived at the court to meet her teammates, including Aliyah Boston and Sophie Cunningham, who had strong reactions once she got there.
In a clip that surfaced on social media, Clark walked inside the arena to see some of her teammates seated on the bench. Fans already in the building let out cheers for the injured superstar.
Clark wore a black Indiana Fever WNBA Playoffs t-shirt and black pants. However, multiple teammates noticed the black Air Force 1 sneakers she also proudly wore.
Boston seemed particularly enthusiastic about Clark’s shoes, claiming, “She means business.”
Another teammate walked over from the bench and reacted by smiling and jumping a bit as she checked out Clark’s sneakers.
“She’s a threat,” Boston said to teammates, adding, “The refs better watch out. She’s gonna be stepping today.”
However, Cunningham seemed unimpressed by the latest fit, jokingly pointing out, “Black socks. Awful dude.”
“I mess with it. You mean business. Black Forces is crazy,” Boston chimed in.
Clark averaged 16.5 points, five rebounds, and 8.8 assists in 13 games this past season. Even injured, she is seemingly doing what she can to try to inspire her team to get wins.
Ahead of Game 1, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and player Lexie Hull both expressed happiness that they’d have Clark and their other injured players there for support at their playoff games.
The Fever dropped that first game, 80-68, in Atlanta with Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard each scoring 20 points. Kelsey Mitchell led all Fever players with 27 points. Boston had 12 rebounds to go with her eight points and five assists.
Game 2 occurs in Indiana in front of the home area fans. A loss on Tuesday would mean the end of the Fever’s postseason run, without Clark and other injured roster members.
Aliyah Boston previously defended her teammate’s decision to end her season and continue her recovery amid the team’s playoff run.
“We’d rather Caitlin sit out and then come back next season, and we’re ready to roll, and we’re ready to rock,” Boston said.
Read more: Caitlin Clark Injury Status Gets Strong Words From Fever Teammate