LeBron James reacts to Caitlin Clark return, Fever handing Liberty first loss: 'You were missed'

Early portions of the WNBA season saw Caitlin Clark miss time due to an injury. Saturday marked her return and with a tough matchup. The Indiana Fever was hosting the 9-0 New York Liberty and just a few hours later, there was a number in the loss column for them.

Clark was amazing throughout, going for 32 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. It felt as if the entire basketball world was watching the WNBA’s best player perform on the biggest stage. LeBron James was certainly one of those, taking to social media to react.

James said, “The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!” on X. He likely shares the feelings of many out there, excited to get Clark back on the court while performing at the highest possible level.

The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 14, 2025

Clark receiving support from James is nothing new. The Los Angeles Lakers star has been highly complimentary of Clark throughout her short WNBA career. Even dating back to college, James has been impressed.

This will only continue as Clark gets back into the full swing of things. Indiana will be back on the court on Tuesday, hosting the Connecticut Sun. A trip out to Los Angeles, where James could watch her in person at Crypto.com Arena, does not take place until Aug. 5.

More on Caitlin Clark’s massive afternoon against New York Liberty

Caitlin Clark returned to the WNBA on Saturday afternoon against the New York Liberty, and it was as if she never left. The Indiana Fever star showed no rust, leading her team to a 102-88 victory against the previously unbeaten Liberty behind a scorching first-half performance.

Clark, who missed the past five games due to a quad injury, scored a career-best 25 points in the first half, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range. Clark ended the game with 32 total points as the Fever hit 17 3-pointers as a team, which was two shy of the WNBA regular season record.

“I feel good,” Clark said postgame. “I thought my rotations were good. Steph (coach Stephanie White) got me a couple of breathers. But I feel strong, I feel good. I thought we played a good game. I thought there was a lot we could improve on, which is really positive for us. But that’s how the Fever are supposed to play basketball. Up-tempo, unselfish, working for your teammates. So really proud of our group.”

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report