The Fever’s wait is almost over as Caitlin Clark is preparing for her WNBA debut.
Clark exploited the screen to go open on the wing, creating enough space between her and the Fever practice squad defenders, and hoisted her one-legged, faded signature. They’ve gone in at the buzzer several times in college, resulting in wild celebrations. This clanked against the rim. Clark moved over and whacked the padded side wall with both arms before standing up and laughing.
“They’re all very competitive, and that’s what’s going to motivate us,” Fever head coach Christie Sides said Sunday. “Our competitive spirit drives us to be the most hardworking and competitive team. We were working on late-game strategies.”
“She didn’t get the shot, she got fouled on (another) shot, so she went to the free-throw line and tied it up for us,” Sides went on. “She’ll receive those shots, and she’ll hit them. We’re going to give her the opportunity.”
Sides was referring to another incident Sunday, when Clark was fouled in the corner beyond the arc during a late-game drill scenario. On May 3, in the preseason opener against the Dallas Wings, Clark attempted an almost identical fading look in the corner but fell short. Indiana defeated 76–79. To be fair, that was Clark’s first game in the WNBA, albeit in preseason. And the Wings really absorbed the play defensively. However, as has become customary, Sides will give the rookies opportunities.
Caitlin Clark prepares for her WNBA debut.
The Fever begin their regular season on Tuesday against the Connecticut Sun and will fly out on Monday via charter. Clark celebrates this milestone, just as she did last Thursday after Indiana’s preseason finale, when she opened up about her adjustment to the WNBA. When asked on Sunday what she remembered most about her college debut at Iowa, Clark joked that no one was present. But 13,028 people turned out for her preseason home debut on May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Tuesday’s season opener has sold out.
“So, I feel now like getting out there for the first time,” Clark stated. “I’m really excited and it’ll be very special…” This is what you’ve fought for and dreamed of, and now you get to wear your jersey for the first time and play.”
“I think more than anything, just soak in the moment,” Clark said. “We’re going to play on the largest stage, there will be a lot of spectators and it will be loud, but you only play your first WNBA game once. So I believe I’ll simply enjoy it.
Clark said her collegiate debut felt like yesterday. She recognises that this season will also pass quickly, but she is determined not to miss out on any opportunities. The Fever’s season opener against the Sun will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET in Mohegan Sun Arena and can be seen on ESPN-plus, ESPN2, and Disney-plus.
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