How did Caitlin Clark do in her WNBA preseason debut? Stats and highlights
Despite scoring 21 points for her team, Caitlin Clark ended up on the losing team in the pre-season game in Texas.
Rarely have we seen so much general interest ahead of a WNBA season and much of this is attributed to one player.
In April of this year, 22-year-old Caitlin Clark became a professional player in the WNBA when she was selected by Indiana Fever with the number 1 pick in the 2024 Draft.
With the new WNBA season just a matter of days away too, demand to see the player in action at close quarters is boosting ticket sales for all Indiana Fever games, both at home and on the road with StubHub claiming that demand for 2004 tickets has increased by 93%.
Caitlin Clark finished her first @WNBA preseason game with a game-high 21 points (5 3PM), 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals 💪
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 4, 2024
"Overall, a lot to learn from. These are great learning experiences for us." pic.twitter.com/AfDVLUdmDx
Pro debut
Clark made her debut as a professional on Friday night in Arlington, Texas as her Indiana Fever team faced Dallas Wings as part of pre-season with the Des Moines born player in action for 28 minutes, scoring 21 points for Fever who fell to a narrow 79-76 defeat.
Clark, scored 11 of her team’s first 19 points and scored 16 in the first half. The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer finished 6-of-15 shooting from the floor, including 5 of 13 from 3-point range (38.5% average), while adding three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
"I thought we played really hard. A great atmosphere for women’s basketball. I think it’s a good kickoff to the WNBA season”
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 4, 2024
Caitlin Clark chops it up with Sheryl Swoopes to talk about her WNBA preseason debut where she finished with 21 PTS and 5 3PM pic.twitter.com/8yAyYX5ZkQ
“My biggest goal coming into tonight was to continue to be myself, play aggressive,” said Clark, who missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would’ve sent the game to overtime. “I thought that’s what I did. I think there’s a lot to be proud of.”
Despite playing in Texas, home to the Wings, Clark received a warm welcome from home supporters and was given a rousing ovation when she was introduced as a starter. She hit her first two shot attempts, both 3-pointers, and hit four of eight 3-point attempts in the first half.
The Fever play one more preseason game next Thursday against Atlanta Dream before opening the regular season on the road against the Connecticut on 14 May.
“There’s a lot of good to take away from it. At the same time, it’s a preseason game, so don’t get too disappointed by it,” Clark said. “Just go back and watch the film, learn from it, and get ready for our next one.”
Caitlin Clark isn't lettin’ up ‼️
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 4, 2024
Another DEEP TRIPLE from beyond the arc
The @IndianaFever take the lead in the 4Q pic.twitter.com/4b451igQHT