- WNBA. Caitlin Clark gets encouragement from Diana Taurasi after WNBA adjustment prediction came true
- WNBA. Caitlin Clark is adjusting to the WNBA, but she'll be fine despite early struggles
From before the start of the game in Brooklyn, Caitlin Clark seemed to be more focused, ready to give her best performance to date in what is being her WNBA debut, and she did not disappoint. After a poor game against the New York Liberty in what was the first home game for the Indiana Fever, the team worked more on several aspects and improved noticeably, despite taking the 91-80 loss.
With a first half in which he scored 10 points, Clark improved from his previous outing and it is noticeable that he worked on several aspects, such as reducing personal fouls, although he still has to work a lot in terms of turnovers, as he had 8 in total.
On the part of the Liberty, one of the best teams in the WNBA and with a solid defense, their stars did not wait and from the beginning began to bombard the Fever hoop, being Breanna Stewart again the figure with 24 points, a little below the 31 she prescribed to the Fever just a couple of days ago.
It was the second consecutive meeting between the teams, completing a home-and-home set. Indiana lost by 36 points on Thursday but was more competitive in this game, thanks to a strong effort from Clark, who finished with 22 points - the most in her young pro career - along with eight assists and six rebounds. The No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft came into the game averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds for the Fever (0-3).
It was Clark's first time playing ever in the Big Apple
This was Clark's first time playing in New York (3-0), as Iowa never played in the city, nor did she during high school or with her AAU team.
"This arena is amazing. It'll be fun for me to go around to all the new WNBA arenas and kind of check off the box," Clark said. "This is certainly one that's definitely up there. I know the crowd will be incredible tonight, so just enjoy it."
Clark attracted numerous sports celebrities to the game, including Billie Jean King, Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, Michelle Wie West, and Dawn Staley. Actor Jason Sudeikis, who attended several of Clark's college games, was also in attendance.
The NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer impressed in the first quarter, scoring 10 points and hitting four of her five shots. Clark, who only had nine points on Thursday, also hit a logo 3-pointer that was later disallowed after review.
Despite Clark's strong start, Indiana trailed 33-22 after the first quarter and 57-37 at halftime. New York shot 56% in the first half, including 12 of 18 from behind the 3-point line.