Caitlin Clark had an impressive debut in the WNBA, playing for the Indiana Fever in an exhibition game against the Dallas Wings. Hours before the game, excited fans wearing No. 22 University of Iowa jerseys were already lining up outside the arena. Clark's performance lived up to the anticipation, leading all first-half scorers with 16 points in just 16 minutes. Despite the Fever's 79-76 loss, she finished with a team-high 21 points, shooting 6 of 15 from the field, including 5 of 13 from beyond the arc. Alongside her scoring, Clark contributed three rebounds, two assists, four fouls, and five turnovers.
The enthusiastic sellout crowd was a preview of the support Clark can expect throughout the season, regardless of whether she's playing at home or away. She had a chance to tie the game with a 3-point attempt at the buzzer, but it fell short, giving Dallas the win. Clark's first professional basket was a 28-foot 3-pointer early in the game, showing her scoring ability from the start.
Fans like Christina Edge and Pailynn Amos were among those eager to see Clark in action. Christina, who had moved from Iowa to the Dallas area, hoped to get a birthday photo with Clark, while young Pailynn, wearing a Clark jersey, expressed her admiration with a sign that read, "When I grow up I wanna be just like her." The excitement was palpable as Clark was warmly welcomed before the game.
Despite facing some opposition from Wings fans during the game, Clark's presence has brought significant attention to women's basketball, with fellow players praising her impact on the sport. The game was a sellout, with all 6,251 seats taken soon after it was announced on the schedule, demonstrating the high demand to watch Clark play. Her arrival in the WNBA has generated substantial media coverage and excitement, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.