Caitlin Clark’s highly anticipated WNBA regular-season debut with the Indiana Fever against the Connecticut Sun Tuesday showcased her scoring expertise but also highlighted some growing pains adjusting to professional play. The Fever fell to the Sun 92-71, with Clark leading her team in scoring but struggling with turnovers.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, finished with a team-high 20 points, demonstrating the scoring ability that made her a standout at Iowa, and the NCAA Division 1 record-holder for most points between both men and women. She reached the 20-point mark by the end of the game, hitting four three-pointers and showing her deep-range shooting s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s. However, she also had 10 turnovers, setting a new WNBA record for most turnovers in a player’s first game, per Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic.
The game began with a slow start for Clark, who missed her first three shot attempts and went scoreless in the first quarter. By halftime, she had managed to score seven points but also had a game-high five turnovers. Clark’s first points came from a layup in transition, created by stealing a pass from Alyssa Thomas and using a hesitation dribble to get past DeWanna Bonner.
Caitlin Clark’s struggles and Sun’s dominance
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Throughout the game, Clark faced intense defense from Sun forward Alyssa Thomas, who recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. Thomas’s defensive pressure contributed to Clark’s turnovers and highlighted the level of competition she will regularly encounter in the WNBA.
Clark’s performance was a mix of her usual brilliance and expected rookie mistakes. She hit her first three-pointer midway through the second quarter, a shot from the left wing, which was her most prolific spot during her college career. However, she struggled with turnovers, reaching double digits in her first game. Her 10 turnovers were also the most in a game in Fever history.
The Fever, playing their first game of the regular season and with a new roster, struggled offensively. They recorded 18 turnovers and shot 40% from the field. Despite staying within striking distance for much of the game, trailing by just 10 points at halftime, the Fever’s chances dwindled as turnovers mounted. The Sun capitalized on these mistakes, with DeWanna Bonner adding 20 points and moving into fifth place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list.
Preseason performance as a benchmark
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Clark’s preseason performances provided a glimpse of her potential. In a preseason game against the Dallas Wings May 6, she scored 21 points, including five three-pointers, and played in front of a sold-out crowd at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. She followed that with a solid outing against the Atlanta Dream May 9, scoring 12 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out six assists despite turnovers and shooting inefficiencies.
As Clark continues to adjust to the WNBA’s pace and physicality, her ability to balance scoring with ball control will be crucial for the Fever’s success this season. Despite the rocky start, her talent and determination suggest a bright future.
