Both Caitlin Clark and her supporters weren’t prepared for the Indiana Fever‘s 92-71 loss to the Connecticut Sun in Clark’s professional basketball debut. Clark had a terrible first quarter, failing to score and picking up two personal fouls. She spent a significant amount of time on the bench, watching her teammates fight to keep the game close.
As many had predicted, Clark was overcome by jitters as a rookie facing experienced players, which makes sense considering they were up against one of the top WNBA teams in recent memory.
But Caitlin didn’t score her first two points as a professional until the second quarter. After that, she steadily got into her rhythm, overcoming her initial nervousness and adjusting to the Mohegan Sun Arena floor, which was packed with Fever and Caitlin fans alike.
Even though she and the Fever were behind by 10 points going into the third quarter, she was inspired by her teammates as they headed to the locker room at the end of the first half, which helped her have a much stronger second half.
Caitlin Clark's first career points in the @WNBA 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ahD10c123c
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 15, 2024
Unwanted Record Set by Caitlin Clark
The second half was much better for Clark, who at times demonstrated why she has grown to be one of the most adored and respected athletes in the country. She found her rhythm and finished with 20 points, which led her team in scoring, with only NaLyssa Smith (13 points) offering strong support.
However, Clark also exhibited a lack of focus, setting a record for the lowest number of turnovers in a WNBA debut—10—during her debut.
DeWanna Bonner led the Sun with 20 points, while teammates Tyasha Harris and Dijonai Carrington came in second and third, respectively, with 16 and 13 points, respectively.
32 minutes played, 5-15 from the field, 4-11 from three-point range, 6-6 from the free-throw line, and four personal fouls were all part of Clark’s final stat line. Indiana’s next home game against the New York Liberty is scheduled for this Thursday.
Caitlin Clark knocks down the first three of her @WNBA career 🎯 pic.twitter.com/In99gxA6MU
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 15, 2024
