24 hours before the start of the WNBA All-Star in Indianapolis, the news of the absence of Caitlin Clark, star of the Indiana Fever, has impacted the league.
The absence of Clark, due to a groin injury, represents a blow to the event. Clark was the main focus of the All-Star weekend, fueled by his arrival in the league as a prominent figure.
Clark, known for being the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history, had been selected by popular vote as a captain for the All-Star Game, along with Napheesa Collier.
I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say that I will not be able to participate in the three-point contest or the All-Star game. I have to give my body a rest. Even so, I will be at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse so as not to miss any of the action.
Caitlin Clark
I’m so excited that Indianapolis is hosting the WNBA All-Star this weekend. I know it will be the best All-Star yet.
A Clark-less All-Star
The All-Star Weekend will take place on Friday and Saturday. The first day will feature the defense of the three-point and skills titles by Allisha Gray, of the Atlanta Dream, who won both contests in Phoenix 2024.
In the three-point contest, Gray will compete against Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics), and Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks). Clark’s absence opens up new opportunities for the other competitors.
In the skills competition, Gray will defend her title against Natasha Cloud (New York Liberty), Skylar Diggins, Erica Wheeler (Seattle Storm), and Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx).
‘Team Collier’ vs. ‘Team Clark’
The All-Star game will be played on Saturday, where ‘Team Collier’ will face ‘Team Clark’.
The starting lineup for the ‘Team Collier’, in addition to its captain Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), will be composed of Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm) and Paige Bueckers.
The starting five of ‘Team Clark’, with their captain injured on the bench, will be made up of Brittney Sykes (Washington Mystics), Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) and Brionna Jones (Atlanta Dream).
To add excitement, the players will have the option to score from 4 points, located in four blue-painted circles on the court, at a distance of 28 feet (8.5 meters) from the basket.
