Caitlin Clark made a sensational comeback for the Indiana Fever on Saturday, firing seven remarkable three-pointers that powered her team to a 102-88 win over the New York Liberty. This thrilling performance marked Clark’s first game since May 24, as she returned from a quad strain and immediately reminded everyone of her shooting prowess.
Clark’s seven three-pointers, which covered a total distance of 199 feet with three shots from beyond 30 feet, ignited a key turnaround after the Fever fell behind early. Her deep shooting barrage energized both the team and the fans, playing a crucial role in erasing a double-digit deficit and securing victory on home court. The presence of the seven three-pointers ranking highlights how decisive Clark’s shooting was in this comeback.
Clark’s Explosive Opening and Immediate Impact
Late in the first quarter, Clark caught an outlet pass from Sydney Colson and launched an incredible 33-foot shot that swished through the net, instantly electrifying the crowd. Without missing a beat, she quickly sunk two more deep threes, from 27 and 31 feet respectively, in a span of just 40 seconds. This close succession of shots fueled a 17-0 run that shifted momentum in the Fever’s favor.
Clark described her approach after the sequence, saying,
“I took one in transition, that’s where I like to get to early,”
followed by,
“It’s always good to see the ball go through the hoop. Then I came down and shot another one, then I came down and shot another one and saw three in a row go in, and that gives you a lot of confidence.”
Despite missing five games due to injury, Clark showed no sign of rust, finishing with 32 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Her return certainly lifted the Fever, who had a 2-3 record during her absence.
Reflecting on coming back after her time off, Clark said,
“I think you’re just anxious to get out there and get playing again,”
and spoke about her condition during the game:
“I felt really good. There were a few periods where I felt a little tired, I asked for a sub there in the second quarter and Steph got me a quick one, but other than that my legs felt really strong. I felt in good shape.”
The excitement around Clark’s return extended beyond the Fever organization. NBA superstar LeBron James posted on social media,
“The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!”
—LeBron James, NBA Player
Ranking Caitlin Clark’s Seven Jaw-Dropping Three-Pointers
7. Open Catch-and-Shoot from 26 Feet
Early in the second quarter, Clark demonstrated her patience and precision with an open catch-and-shoot three-pointer. After driving into the paint and kicking the ball out to Sydney Colson, she quickly slipped unnoticed behind the arc, received the return pass, and calmly drained the shot with smooth technique, leaving defenders unable to react in time.
6. Seamless Hand-Off Play at 25 Feet
Clark’s final three-pointer of the evening came during a horns set offense in the third quarter. She passed to Aliyah Boston at halfcourt, then sprinted to receive the ball back via a hand-off. Confused defenders Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison failed to close out properly, allowing Clark to shoot uncontested and sink a rhythm three-pointer.
“7. THREES. Caitlin Clark is up to 30 PTS on ABC. IND on a 17-0 run in the 3Q.WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase pic.twitter.com/RfIxlHW1Ro”
—WNBA Official Twitter
5. Deep Range Triple from 27 Feet
Late in the second quarter, off-ball movement positioned Clark perfectly for a long-distance catch. Kelsey Mitchell executed a high pick-and-roll with Boston, drawing defenders toward the paint. Clark then received a precise cross-court pass on the wing, far beyond the three-point line, forcing Sabrina Ionescu to scramble but unable to close the distance. Clark’s shot was beyond normal range and perfectly timed.
4. A Bold Heat Check Three from 27 Feet
Immediately following her first made three-pointer of the game, Clark spotted a slight defensive lapse when Natasha Cloud sagged off her position. Without hesitation, Clark pulled up from 27 feet and hit another deep triple on the next possession, showcasing fearless confidence in her shooting ability even after a long layoff.
3. Opening 33-Foot Bomb
This was the shot that set the tone for Clark’s night. Trailing by six late in the first quarter, Clark received the outlet pass from Colson and took a controlled dribble to find her rhythm before launching a huge 33-foot three-pointer. The shot, reminiscent of the one she used to break the Division I women’s scoring record in college, was a clear message that her deep shooting was back in full force.
2. Step-Back Three Over a Top Defender (30 Feet)
Midway through the second quarter, Clark faced off against Breanna Stewart after running off a stagger screen. She called for isolation, waved away teammates, and instead of attacking the basket, she created space by stepping back about 30 feet from the hoop. Stewart stayed close, but Clark’s perfectly timed step-back jumper sailed cleanly over her. Their smile afterward suggested the mutual respect and sheer fun in such an elite matchup.
1. The Ultimate Deep Heat Check from 31 Feet
After nailing her first two long-range shots in succession, Clark was primed for one final “heat check” attempt. The Liberty defense tried to contest her every move beyond 30 feet, but Clark found a narrow opening and launched a stunning 31-foot three that dropped through the net, sending the arena into a frenzy. That shot thoroughly cemented the unforgettable flurry that turned the game in the Fever’s favor.
Why Clark’s Return and Shooting Prowess Matter
Caitlin Clark’s dominant return highlights not only her individual talent but also her vital role in lifting the Indiana Fever’s offense. The seven three-pointers ranking emphasizes how she single-handedly altered the momentum, erasing a significant early deficit and inspiring her teammates. Her depth of range and confidence, especially after injury, signal a major boost for the Fever’s playoff hopes.
Clark’s performance also underscores her rapid adjustment back to game tempo, proving that even a five-game absence did not diminish her effectiveness as a scorer and playmaker. The buzz created by her deep shooting, supplemented by key assists and rebounds, reassures fans and analysts that she remains one of the most electrifying players in the WNBA today.
Moving forward, the Fever will rely heavily on Clark’s scoring and leadership as they prepare for upcoming challenges. With a renewed sense of confidence and a clear highlight reel from this game, the season appears brighter for Indiana with Caitlin Clark fully back in action.