Caitlin Clark, the first overall pick 2024 WNBA Draft, made his professional debut in front of a sold-out crowd during the Indiana Fever’s preseason game against the Dallas Wings on Friday night.
Clark, 22, has stayed true to her roots as a NCAA Division 1 all-time leading scorer, dropping a team-high 21 points in the Fever’s 79-76 loss. She led the first half with 16 points in 16 minutes, scoring 21 points in 28 minutes.
Caitlin Clark, #22, and Lexie Hull, #10 of the Indiana Fever, give a high-five during the game against the Dallas Wings in the WNBA preseason game on May 3, 2024, at the College Park Center in ‘Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
“My biggest goal tonight was to continue to be myself, to have fun playing basketball, to be aggressive. I thought that’s what I did. So, I think I “I have a lot to be proud of,” Clark told reporters after the game. game.
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It was a close victory for Dallas that came down to the wire. Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale made the game-winning basket with just three seconds left. Clark’s 3-point attempt from the right corner to force overtime narrowly failed at the buzzer.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better match,” Clark added.
The old Iowa Star undoubtedly attracted the sold-out crowd, as his jerseys filled the venue.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, signs autographs after the game against the Dallas Wings during the WNBA preseason game on May 3, 2024, at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. (Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
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“That’s what makes women’s basketball so much fun,” Clark said of the fans. “I think over the last couple of years it’s just grown. And for them to come out and support me in my first WNBA game, it’s really special, not only for me but for both teams in the field. They can see how good this product is.
Despite the loss, Clark said her pro debut isn’t something she’ll ever forget — much like her first match at Iowa.
“Putting on your jersey for the first time for a real game is something super special. . . . It’s a huge milestone for someone who has always dreamed of playing in the WNBA.”
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, shoots a free throw during the game against the Dallas Wings in the WNBA preseason game on May 3, 2024, at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Friday night’s game was the first of two for the Fever before Clark made his regular season debut on May 14 at the Connecticut Sun.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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