Indiana Fever is currently struggling to make the playoffs. One of the biggest reasons for this has been Caitlin Clark’s absence. After a phenomenal rookie season, the 23-year-old was expected to take Indiana to new heights. Unfortunately, her groin injury made head coach Stephanie White bring grim news for Indiana Fever fans. However, following a recent stat, it looks like Clark’s delayed absence has cost her a shot at history.
The Indiana Fever is currently at number 6. With 20 wins and 18 losses, the team is desperately trying to latch onto the top 8 to go through to the playoffs. And while the squad is struggling due to Clark’s injury, the former Iowa star herself has a major missed shot due to her groin.
Alyssa Thomas Breaks Caitlin Clark’s Assist Record
Clark had a phenomenal year last season. And one of the biggest highlights of her previous run with the Fever was the most points and assists for a single season. Till now, it was the 23-year-old who held the record with 751 points. Unfortunately, all of that changed as the Phoenix Mercury took on Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky.
The Mercury, who are pushing for the playoffs as well, was aided by the brilliance of Alyssa Thomas. While the Sky put up a tough fight, Thomas was relentless in her approach. The six-time All-Star dropped 15 points, nine rebounds, and six assists to take her over the line. However, this was not the only highlight of the game.
The game’s greatest playmaker.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 29, 2025
No one in WNBA history has created more buckets in a single season than AT. 👀 pic.twitter.com/h9gOtfwwnt
With such a performance, Thomas now overtook Clark for the most points assisted in WNBA history. And the Mercury star now stands proudly at the head of the pack with 752 points. Surely, this was a major miss from the Fever star. Had she played this year, it would not have been easy for Thomas to catch up. Thankfully, recent reports have stated that Caitlin Clark is edging towards recovery with the Indiana Fever shoot-around. However, looking at her prolonged absence, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie had a surprising suggestion for the Fever.
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Lisa Leslie Wants Caitlin Clark Out For The Remainder Of The Season
The Indiana Fever might look to be in a tricky situation. However, in reality, things are actually pretty fine. With 20 wins and 18 losses, the team will technically require one more win to secure the playoffs. And while they will play the Los Angeles Sparks next, the task is not looking tough at all. And thus, looking at the present situation of the team, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie stated that the Fever must bench Clark for the rest of the season.
“She could provide an amazing boost, but again, I’m just gonna put my coach’s hat on, my GM hat on. You want to see Caitlin Clark for the longevity of her career. I’m just thinking, me personally, I would not put Caitlin Clark back on the floor this season. That deep groin injury is nothing to play around with. It can feel like you’ve never had it, you make one move, one cut — boom — she’s back in the same spot. I don’t know that it’s worth risking it. If they get the eighth spot and you get into the playoffs, is it really worth looking at Minnesota in Round 1? I don’t know. That’s just my opinion,” Leslie said Tuesday on CBS Sports’ We Need to Talk show.
Surely, Leslie might have a point here. Without the 23-year-old star, the Fever has played quite well. Especially with MVP-like performances from Kelsey Mitchell, the team is looking pretty solid. On the contrary, the induction of Clark into the mix will surely ease things for Indiana. Thus, with options to choose from, what happens next remains to be seen.