July 8 was a date marked on the calendars of every Indiana Fever fan. After missing 2 games due to a back injury, Caitlin Clark returned to the court against the LA Sparks. However, the Sparks (10-11) spoiled the comeback, upsetting the Fever (13-9) with a decisive 106-92 win, and WNBA analyst Rosalina Lee is convinced it was the Fever’s fault.
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“The rotations in last night’s game against the Sparks were so wild and unexplainable. I had no idea what was going on. I didn’t really realize that Caitlin was not really a willing participant, like 2 minutes in gets yanked, and then 3 minutes in gets yanked.” she said on her YouTube channel.
“Judging by the postgame interview, she did not seem excited about that and mentioned that she was not able to catch any sort of rhythm… I don’t understand what Stephanie White was thinking. I do understand protecting your player, but that game was just like a circus.”
It was understood that in the game, Caitlin Clark’s minutes would be restricted. After all, she herself made that clear ahead of the match. But in Indiana’s 106-92 loss to the Sparks, it wasn’t the restriction itself that drew attention; it was the way Stephanie White chose to manage those minutes.
Every time it seemed like CC was settling into the game, she was quickly sent back to the bench, making it difficult for the Fever guard to establish any offensive rhythm.
“It’s really hard when you’re playing three minutes, out, three minutes, three minutes, then you’re on the bench,” Caitlin Clark said post-game.
The 24-year-old ended up playing for 16 minutes in total, during which she scored 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
However, the Fever may be unwilling to take risks with Caitlin Clark. The groin injury in June 2025 sidelined Clark for the rest of last season. Back issues have already troubled her this season, as she had to sit out two games after landing awkwardly and tweaking her back against the Phoenix Mercury on June 24.
Yet, for Lee, protecting Caitlin Clark and allowing her to settle into the game should not come at the cost of losing a game. For a player whose return had been one of the most anticipated moments of this week, it was the unusual rotation, and not the restricted playtime, that may have contributed to the Fever’s loss.