Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark says personal confidence in her physical condition drove her decision to sit out Wednesday, as she works through the psychological toll of a 2025 season limited to just 13 games by multiple soft tissue injuries.

"I think, at the end of the day, it's me and my confidence," said Clark before Friday's home game against the Golden State Valkyries. "Coming back from injury and having however many soft tissue injuries [in 2025] is a real mental challenge."

Clark returned Friday and delivered 22 points and nine assists in 32 minutes during a 90-82 Fever victory. She acknowledged the step up in physical demand compared to her offseason workload.

"Yes, I played USA Basketball [this offseason], but I didn't play 32 minutes, super physical," Clark said postgame. "That's the difference for me right now, but I feel great. ... Overall, I feel good. It's just continuing to take care of my body."

Clark described waking up sore Wednesday, completing physical therapy at home and a pregame workout at Gainbridge Fieldhouse before ultimately deciding not to play. The WNBA issued the Fever a warning after Clark did not appear on the injury report until 100 minutes before tip-off.

Clark dismissed outside scrutiny of the situation sharply.

"Want to know what I ate for breakfast, too?" Clark said. "I actually went back and looked because of all these narratives that are going crazy online, about when I told my mom I wasn't going to play the game: 4:47. You guys found out at 5:20."

Clark said the mental aspect of returning from injury remains her primary challenge, adding she likely pushed too hard at times in 2025.

"I need to have a little grace with myself," Clark said. "When you go through so many things, it becomes a little bit traumatizing, too."