WNBA News: Caitlin Clark Makes History in WNBA Debut, Joins Legends Candace Parker, Sue Bird and Nikki McCray

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever (Image source Getty Images)
WNBA: Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Indiana Fever, had an impressive debut in the WNBA. She is the most anticipated rookie who garnered a large fan base due to her outstanding performance during her college career.

Clark has already begun making significant strides in her professional career, joining an elite group of WNBA players, including Candace Parker, Sue Bird, and Nikki McCray. She is one of the few players to achieve 50+ points and 15+ assists in their first three career games, making a remarkable entrance into the league.

Clark scored 20 points in the season opener against the Connecticut Sun on May 9, which was the second-highest by an Indiana rookie in their first game, only behind Tamika Catchings. However, Clark underperformed, scoring only nine points in the team’s home opener against the New York Liberty on Thursday. Nevertheless, Clark gave the Fever 22 points Saturday afternoon in a back-to-back game against the Liberty.

 

“Just playing with an aggressive mindset, our pace, the way we push the ball up the floor — like, that’s just hard to guard. I thought it wore out a little bit (New York). But it also caused a few matchup problems, and we were able to get into a little bit of a flow at the beginning… coming out and playing fast and playing hard is going to be my biggest focus.” Clark said.

Given her generational talent, Clark is certain to rank among the greatest WNBA players by the end of her career. Although it will take time for her to play at a continuously high level, her performance thus far compared to other league greats highlights the rookie’s tremendous potential.

VIDEO: Lakers Legend Pau Gasol Showers Love to Sabrina Ionescu After Her Win Against Caitlin Clark

Sabrina Ionescu, Pau Gasol, Caitlin Clark (Image source Getty Images)

Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty secured a 91-80 victory over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Saturday, marking their second consecutive win. Ionescu had a strong performance, scoring 12 points, one rebound, five assists, and a steal.

Meanwhile, Clark showcased her best professional game despite the loss, contributing with six rebounds, eight assists, and 22 points. It was a challenging debut for Caitlin Clark with the Indiana Fever as they faced their second-season loss. Sabrina Ionescu’s deceptive play prevented the home opener from ending in defeat.

During the game, Los Angeles Lakers legend Pau Gasol was seen cheering for Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty. In addition, the 43-year-old legend was seen taking photos with Ionescu.

A video of Gasol showing love to Ionescu after the game went viral. Fans have been reacting differently to it.

Ionescu Executes clever fake pass to Trick Caitlin Clark

As for Caitlin Clark, her initial struggles seem far from over. With the Liberty comfortably ahead in the first half, Ionescu executed a clever fake pass, tricking Caitlin Clark, the young star of the Fever, before effortlessly sinking a three-pointer and shrugging her shoulders. The perfectly executed three-pointer by Ionescu roused the fans and extended the Liberty’s lead to 57-37 at halftime against the winless Fever.

Clark, the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, was the center of attention and excitement when the season began this month. She earned her position in women’s collegiate basketball history by winning two major national Player of the Year awards and leading the Hawkeyes to the National Championship Game in consecutive seasons. In the 2020 WNBA draft, New York selected Ionescu as the first overall pick. Despite dealing with injuries during her first two seasons, she always tries to dominate the game.