To be honest, the 2025 season hasn’t exactly been Caitlin Clark’s year, at least not like her electric rookie campaign. Even before the season tipped off, Clark was battling quad tightness during preseason. Then, just a few games in, she was sidelined by a quadriceps injury that kept her out for five straight matchups. As if that wasn’t enough, she returned only to be limited again by a nagging left groin issue. And just when it finally looked like things were getting back on track, she was hit with yet another setback—a right groin injury. Well, that’s the kind of physical toll that doesn’t just wear on the body—it chips away at the mental side too. So, it made real sense when HC shared, “From my standpoint, the primary conversations that we’ve had last night and today are just checking in. ‘Are you good? How can we help?’” But White isn’t the only one checking in on Caitlin!

Following Indiana’s recent 77-98 loss to the New York Liberty in Brooklyn, something touching happened as the Liberty stars Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Howard walked over to Clark postgame to share a hug before she left the court—a simple yet heartfelt gesture. And while Clark looked better than she had just a day earlier, as she was even spotted signing autographs for fans, it’s clear that she’s concerned about missing the upcoming All-Star Weekend.

Remember the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend? CC turned down the opportunity to compete in the NBA’s 3-point contest, not because she wasn’t capable, but because she had her eyes set on something even more meaningful: making her WNBA All-Star debut in Indianapolis, in front of home fans, with a chance to light up the 3-point contest, especially with the introduction of the much-hyped 4-point logo shot. It was tailor-made for Clark, known for burying deep threes from seemingly impossible distances. With a chance that Clark might have to sit out due to injury, there are concerns floating in the community.

After being ruled out against the Liberty, Clark has been listed as day-to-day. While Coach White remains hopeful, the final call is Caitlin’s to make. And standing beside her—emotionally and symbolically—is the same Liberty squad that just beat Indiana. Even head coach Sandy Brondello expressed her support for the Fever rookie, saying, “You never want to see a player get injured. A player like Caitlin — she’s a great player. At All-Star, I’m excited to get to know her a little bit,” as quoted by Myles Ehrlich of Winsidr. Well, coming from the Team Caitlin Clark’s head coach during the All-Star game, it’s a dynamic and emotional storyline.

But, NY Liberty HC didn’t stop there either as she recognized the firepower Indiana holds, even without Clark. “Any time one of your best players goes out, it gives you an opportunity to see what else you have. And they’ve really stepped up… how hard they’ve played defensively and how disruptive they’ve been.” And let’s not forget, the Liberty, who are on a mission to defend their 2024 championship, already suffered one of their rare six losses at the hands of Indiana. And that was with Clark at the helm, firing on all cylinders. So, clearly, Brondello knows just how special Clark is. Her concern speaks volumes—but is it just the Liberty feeling this way?

Fans, too, come up to support Caitlin Clark!

Not just the Liberty squad, but the entire WNBA community was overwhelmed with the support New York offered. Fans flooded the comment section with their unique takes on CC’s concerning All-Star Weekend. “I love this! Hopefully, if CC can’t play in the All-Star game, she can at least go in for the first 30 seconds as homage,” penned another user. Yes, CC was highly anticipating the All-Star game, as she mentioned after a win against the Wings: “Two more to go till All-Star.” But now, her groin injury is a real threat. And no, we’re not just saying this, an 8-time WNBA All-Star herself warned about it.

Well, Lisa Leslie had already endured the same injury back in 2006, and while she eventually recovered, the pain still lingers today, even when she plays tennis. So, she highlighted how 3-point shots could be especially difficult to attempt with such an injury. So you can understand why fans are hoping CC gets the rest she needs, even if it’s heartbreaking. And as Liberty understands this, they’ve extended their support but what makes this moment even more personal is one of Clark’s teammates on Team CC. A fan put it perfectly: “Gotta remember, Sabrina was CC before CC. She had all the hype around her, and a few games into her rookie year, she got injured and was out for the year. So Sabrina knows what she’s going through,” they shared.

And yes—it makes total sense. Sabrina Ionescu also struggled during her rookie season. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, she dropped 33 points with 7 assists and 7 rebounds in just her second appearance. But then, disaster struck—she suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain that ended her season on July 31, 2020. While CC has played 13 games so far, Saby was limited to just three in her debut year. That’s why fans are drawing parallels between the two standout players known for their three-point shooting.

But that’s not the only reason. “Sabrina came to Iowa and gave them shoes. They have a friendship off-court when not in BB season,” wrote another user. Yes, before CC even reached the W, Ionescu made a heartwarming gesture by offering a surprise visit to Iowa ahead of their Final Four clash against UConn. After greeting the team, she gifted them fresh pairs of her signature shoes—the Sabrina 1s. That was just one instance. CC has long admired Ionescu for her range and leadership, and clearly, the admiration is mutual. “Sabrina has always been welcoming of CC”, another spectator on X admitted.

It all makes sense now. When CC entered the league carrying massive expectations, Saby was one of the first to stand up in her support. “She knows I’m always rooting for her. I’ve reached out; we’re pretty close. I just wanna be that person that she can always lean on,” Ionescu told Heavy.com in a candid interview last year.

And at this moment, their bond is even more meaningful. After all, it was CC who picked the Liberty sensation as a starter for her squad to take on Team Collier and Breanna Stewart. Clark even traded coach Sandy Brondello in exchange for Cheryl Reeve to craft her ideal All-Star team.

So, as fans witness this thoughtful connection between two of the league’s brightest stars, they can’t help but make a humble request: “Please go to the Liberty, Caitlin.” Still, there’s no official word on CC’s All-Star appearance. And she’s not the only player Brondello might have to manage without. Satou Sabally, who’s out with a right ankle injury, officially announced today that she won’t be participating either. So yes—the struggles are mutual, and the support is real.