Caitlin Clark took the court Saturday for her first Indiana Fever game in nine months, playing in a preseason matchup against the New York Liberty after injuries limited her to just 13 games last season.

Clark, the former University of Iowa standout, said she was eager to return despite the game not counting in the standings. "Anytime you get to put on your uniform and lace up your shoes you don't take that for granted, especially after coming off last year when I didn't get to do that very much," Clark said before the game.

The 22-year-old guard said she had some nerves ahead of her return and expected to play approximately 20-25 minutes as she works back into game shape. "It's going to be a little sloppy for both teams," she acknowledged. "That's kind of what preseason games are."

Fever coach Stephanie White noted a visible difference in Clark's demeanor this preseason. "I think that's the thing, watching her play with joy," White said. "In practice her energy is different, carrying herself in a different way."

Clark's return comes after she played for USA Basketball in a World Cup qualifying tournament last month, earning Most Valuable Player honors in that competition. White, who also coached Clark with USA Basketball, said the international experience helped prepare her for the transition back to the WNBA.

The Fever were missing several other key players for the preseason game. All-Star Aliyah Boston was out with a lower-leg injury, while Lexie Hull is managing a hamstring issue. Both players would have been available for a regular-season contest, White said. The team was also without Ty Harris due to a knee injury.

The Liberty were similarly dealing with injuries and roster absences, with Satou Sabally, their major offseason free-agent acquisition, among those out to build fitness. Several New York players were also unavailable as they completed overseas commitments.