

What was supposed to be a landmark All-Star Weekend for the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark has taken an unexpected turn. After a groin injury late in Tuesday’s win over the Connecticut Sun, Clark has officially withdrawn from the WNBA All-Star Game and the Three-Point Contest. Both of which were scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, her new basketball home.
“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 in a statement released by the Fever. “I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy coach our team to a win.” The Fever’s head coach, Stephanie White, echoed the importance of long-term health: “As the coach of the Indiana Fever, it’s not a bigger deal than our long-term season.” With Clark’s absence, the WNBA now has a vacancy in one of its most electric events of the weekend: the Three-Point Contest.
The Three-Point Contest, part of the All-Star Skills Night, is a high-octane shootout where the league’s best long-range threats test their touch under pressure. Players fire off 25 balls from five stations—four regular racks and one “money ball” rack—with bonus shots from deep range. Sabrina Ionescu set the gold standard in 2023 with 37 points, the highest-scoring round in WNBA history. Last year, Allisha Gray took home the crown. Clark, known for her logo-range bombs, was expected to be the headline attraction. But now, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is tasked with choosing her replacement. Let’s break down the likely candidates.
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Kayla McBride, Minnesota Lynx
McBride is as ready as anyone. She’s currently third in the WNBA in total made threes this season, shooting a rock-solid 37.7% from beyond the arc. She was also added to the All-Star Game roster as a replacement for the injured Rhyne Howard, making her a natural fit to slide into the Three-Point Contest. The Lynx veteran averaged 2.6 threes per game, and she’s no stranger to the big stage. McBride competed in last year’s contest and barely missed the final round. Her resume and recent shooting tear make her a top contender.
Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever
Mitchell is Clark’s teammate, the Fever’s leading scorer, and the franchise’s all-time leader in made threes, surpassing Tamika Catchings earlier this week. She’s shooting 36.6% from deep this season and has made 49 threes, sixth in the league. If anyone can carry the Fever flag in Clark’s place, it’s Mitchell. She was already selected as a reserve for the All-Star Game, and inserting her into the contest would maintain some local star power for Indianapolis fans. A Fever player replacing Clark? That’s a narrative everyone can get behind.
Kennedy Burke, New York Liberty
Statistically, Burke has the strongest case. The Liberty guard is shooting 47.9% from three, easily the best mark in the league among players with 75 or more attempts. She’s 37-for-75 on the season and has evolved into one of the most lethal snipers in the W. Burke’s offensive efficiency has forced teams to game-plan around her shot. Just two weeks ago, against the Dream, Atlanta’s defense was tailored specifically to limit her looks from deep. While she may not have the same name recognition as others, her performance speaks volumes.
What’s your perspective on:
With Caitlin Clark out, who will rise to the occasion and steal the show in Indy?
Have an interesting take?

via Imago
Chicago, USA, May 22, 2025: Kennedy Burke 22 New York Liberty grabs the rebound during the game between the Chicago Sky and New York Liberty on Thursday May 22, 2025 at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, USA. NO COMMERCIAL USAGE Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx spp-en-ShBe-8P6A2130
“She’s more than just a 3-point shooter,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. And that’s exactly why she could shine under the lights on Skills Night.
Sami Whitcomb, Phoenix Mercury
However, don’t sleep on Sami Whitcomb. The Phoenix Mercury guard has rediscovered her form in her age-36 season, drilling 37% of her threes and averaging 2.2 makes per game, seventh in the league. Last year, Whitcomb shot just 29.2% with Seattle. But this season, she’s proven she still belongs among the game’s elite perimeter threats. Her veteran presence and volume from deep could make her an intriguing dark-horse candidate.
What Happened to Caitlin Clark?
Clark aggravated her right groin in the final minute of Tuesday’s win over the Connecticut Sun. After dishing a late assist to Kelsey Mitchell, she reached for her inner thigh and walked slowly to the bench, visibly frustrated, even banging her head on the stanchion. She had just returned from an earlier left groin injury that had sidelined her for five games.
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“She felt a little something in her groin,” White confirmed. Clark was immediately ruled out of Wednesday’s game against the Liberty. This season has been a rollercoaster for Clark, between her injuries, growing pains, and expectations. Though she remains the league’s top vote-getter and a fan’s favorite, her recent shooting slump, 14.3% from three over the last seven games, made a potential victory in the contest unlikely. Even so, her presence was always going to be electric.
Caitlin Clark was meant to be the face of All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. Now, she’ll be watching from the sidelines—but the contest must go on. Whether it’s McBride, Mitchell, Burke, or Whitcomb, the WNBA has no shortage of elite shooters ready to step in and steal the spotlight. While Clark rests and recovers, the Three-Point Contest remains loaded with talent and intrigue.
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"With Caitlin Clark out, who will rise to the occasion and steal the show in Indy?"