Fans have been eagerly waiting for Caitlin Clark’s debut in the WNBA, and tonight was the moment they’d been waiting for. The 22-year-old was picked first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA draft and made her preseason debut against the Dallas Wings. Clark delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high 21 points, but the Fever fell short, losing 79-76 in Arlington, Texas.
Clark’s debut had been highly anticipated, especially after her stellar season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she set NCAA records and became a household name in women’s basketball. Her presence has sparked a surge of interest in the WNBA, and her first game did not disappoint.
Clark made an immediate impact, hitting her first three-pointer to start her scoring in the WNBA. She continued to impress with two more deep threes in the first quarter, ending the first half with 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. She also grabbed two rebounds and notched an assist.
However, the second half proved challenging. Clark faced foul trouble, which limited her playing time, particularly in the third quarter. When she returned in the fourth quarter, she struggled to find her rhythm, hitting only one of six shots and turning the ball over five times in total.
After the game, Clark acknowledged the high level of competition and the fast pace of the WNBA. “I thought we played really hard,” she said. “It’s a great atmosphere for women’s basketball. I think it’s a good kickoff to the WNBA season.” Despite the loss, she remained positive, emphasizing the learning opportunities from the game.
The Dallas Wings secured the victory with a clutch three-pointer from Arike Ogunbowale, who scored 19 points, including nine in the fourth quarter. Jaelyn Brown, an undrafted rookie, led the Wings with 21 points and five rebounds in her debut. Clark had a chance to tie the game with a last-second three-point attempt, but the shot was off the mark.
Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has generated a lot of buzz. Ticket prices for Fever games more than doubled even before the draft, and her No. 22 jersey sold out within hours of going on sale. The Fever’s preseason game against the Wings was a sell-out, a testament to the growing interest in women’s basketball.
Clark’s transition to the WNBA comes with some adjustments. “It’s definitely different, but that’s what you expect when you start a new chapter of your life,” she said. “It’s a fast pace, a lot faster than college, and you’ve got to learn quicker.”
Clark is teaming up with All-Star center Aliyah Boston, last season’s WNBA Rookie of the Year. Together, they aim to improve the Fever’s 13-27 record from last season and make a push for the playoffs. Boston is focused on building on her impressive rookie campaign, aiming to strengthen her defense and finish stronger through contact.
The Fever have one more preseason game before kicking off their regular season against the Connecticut Sun on May 14. With Clark and Boston leading the charge, Indiana Fever fans have plenty to be excited about as the WNBA season gets underway.
