Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark wrapped up her remarkable rookie season in the WNBA, leaving fans excited about what’s to come. Despite her team’s first-round playoff exit against the Connecticut Sun, Clark expressed optimism about her future. Speaking after their 87-81 loss, she assured supporters that her best performances are still ahead, even after a season where she set records and took the league by storm.
Clark, who won the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award, played a key role in helping the Fever reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Her season may have ended sooner than hoped with a 2-0 series defeat, but she sees this as just the beginning. “I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface,” Clark reflected, noting that she’s confident she can elevate her game even further.
Though she took time to adjust early in the season, Clark quickly found her rhythm, especially alongside standout teammates like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. The 22-year-old set a new single-season assists record (337) and shattered the rookie scoring record with 769 points. In July, she became the first WNBA rookie to achieve a triple-double, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Her shooting prowess, particularly from beyond the arc, made her a must-watch player. Clark not only led all rookies but also topped the league in three-pointers, sinking 122 in total. The “Clark effect” significantly boosted WNBA viewership, with her games drawing record audiences both in stadiums and on television. The Fever’s final regular-season game drew over 20,000 fans—an all-time WNBA record.
Despite her rapid ascent, Clark has no plans to rush into overseas commitments during the off-season. After a whirlwind year that saw her transition from college superstar to WNBA standout, she’s looking forward to taking a well-deserved break. Reflecting on the journey, she remarked, “Basketball has consumed my life for a year. Now it’s time to step back, enjoy it, and prepare for what’s next.”
geraldine ikyelleve