Although Clark has missed half of Indiana’s 20 games during the 2025 WNBA season, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star still received the most fan votes for the All-Star Game, earning her captain honors and the opportunity to draft her team. One of her picks was Valkyries star Thornton, who had nothing but praise for Clark.

Veronica Burton had 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Kayla Thornton added 18 points and eight boards, and the Golden State Valkyries beat the Indiana Fever 80-61 to spoil Caitlin Clark's return.

Fever star guard Caitlin Clark finished the loss with 10 points on 4 of 12 shooting from the field, to go along with 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 turnovers, in what was her first game back after missing the past five contests with a groin injury.