Caitlin Clark’s Roller-Coaster Start in 2026 WNBA Season

The 2026 WNBA season has not begun smoothly for the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark. After sitting out most of 2025, fans had high hopes that Clark would regain her rookie season form. While she showed strong initial performance, her season turned inconsistent.

Clark surpassed 20 points in five consecutive games at the start. However, she struggled to match that output in the following four games. A promising game against the Golden State Valkyries saw Clark scoring 22 points, providing nine assists, and hitting 44% of her shots from beyond the arc. But maintaining this momentum proved challenging, with five turnovers in a rematch against the Valkyries and scoring only six points against the Portland Fire on May 30.

During Saturday’s game against the New York Liberty, Clark’s performance was indicative of her season. She managed 10 points on 28.6% shooting, made three turnovers, and committed five fouls. Despite the struggle, Clark still contributed nine assists and seven rebounds.

In recent games, she hit only 14 of 50 attempts overall, and just 6 out of 22 from three-point range. With the Fever balancing a 5-5 record, Monday’s game with the Washington Mystics was crucial for improvement. Clark took this chance to reset.

Initially, Clark scored 10 points in the first quarter with two successful three-point shots out of five. Coach Stephanie White limited her to less than four minutes in the second quarter. Nonetheless, Clark impressed with a strategic pass leading to a layup.

The second half highlighted more of her shooting skill. With seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, Clark nailed a 25-foot jump shot despite interference. The play resulted in a successful four-point conversion.

Even after the Fever took a significant lead, the Mystics narrowed it to two points in the fourth quarter and took a lead with a minute left. Clark managed to draw contact, granting her two free throws, though she missed both. Following a turnover by the Mystics, she assisted Aliyah Boston with a half-court pass, bringing the score to 75-74 in favor of the Fever.

Although the Mystics regained the lead, Clark secured the victory with a decisive 31-foot three-pointer after a cross-court pass from Sophie Cunningham. The Fever won 78-76.

Monday’s game pointed towards Clark’s resurgence with 19 points on 7-of-16 shooting, four triples from 10 attempts, five assists, and one steal, including a memorable game-winner. The Fever’s victory brought their season record to 6-5, gearing up for their matchup against the Chicago Sky.