Caitlin Clark sparked debate Saturday night after appearing on stage with country star Morgan Wallen at Lucas Oil Stadium, just hours after her Indiana Fever lost their WNBA season opener 107-104 to the Dallas Wings.
Clark posted 20 points, seven assists, and five rebounds in the loss, but missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with seven seconds left. She later revealed she had her back adjusted during the game after dealing with injuries that limited her to 13 games in 2025.
Social media reactions were split. Critics questioned her focus after the loss and her association with Wallen, who faced backlash in 2021 for using a racial slur. Supporters called the pair "two GOATS," and Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham praised Clark on Instagram.
Clark played a team-high 31 minutes in her return from injury, a positive sign for Indiana as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday.