In her first preseason game on the sidelines, Caitlin Clark assumed a different role: team cheerleader. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft was ruled out due to precautionary leg tightness but remained highly engaged throughout the game, enthusiastically supporting her new teammate Sophie Cunningham, who led the Indiana Fever to a dramatic 79–74 overtime victory over the Washington Mystics.

A New Role for Clark

Though fans were eager to see Clark make her professional debut, the former Iowa standout was held out of the lineup as a precautionary measure after reporting tightness in her left leg during warm-ups. Despite not playing, she remained courtside in full uniform, encouraging her teammates and actively participating in huddles and timeouts.

Throughout the game, Clark could be seen applauding big plays, shouting defensive instructions, and smiling from the bench. Her support was especially directed toward Sophie Cunningham, who took on a leadership role and delivered a standout performance in Clark’s absence.

Sophie Cunningham Steps Up

Cunningham, acquired by the Fever during the offseason, seized the spotlight with 21 points, including several clutch baskets down the stretch and a crucial three-pointer in overtime that helped seal the win.

After the game, Clark praised her teammate’s performance on social media, tweeting:

“That’s how you do it, Soph!! Big time buckets 💪🔥 #FeverWin”

Cunningham, in turn, credited Clark and her fellow teammates for keeping the energy high on the bench, saying:

“It was awesome to have Caitlin there hyping us up. She brings that fire even when she’s not on the court.”

A Glimpse of What’s to Come

Clark and Cunningham are expected to be key pieces of Indiana’s rebuild as the Fever aim to return to playoff contention. While Saturday’s win was just a preseason game, the chemistry and energy between the two—even off the court—has fans and analysts buzzing about what this new-look roster can accomplish in 2025.

Coach Stephanie White noted the importance of building that team dynamic early:

“Caitlin was as locked in as any player out there. That’s what you want to see from your rookies—leadership, even when they’re not playing.”

Looking Ahead

The Fever’s next game is set for Sunday, May 4, against the Brazilian national team at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City—Clark’s college home. Fans are hopeful that she’ll be cleared to play, even briefly, for what’s being billed as a homecoming celebration.

Regardless of her playing status, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is already proving she can lead—and uplift—her team, whether on the court or cheering from the sidelines.