Caitlin Clark’s first WNBA game, albeit preseason, is in the books, but she wants to remind everyone of her “new job” with the Indiana Fever.
Clark posted “new job” with a heart, star, and dizzy emoji on Instagram on May 5, two days after her May 3 premiere. She scored 21 points in the Fever’s 79-76 preseason loss to the Dallas Wings, which received national notice.
“The atmosphere,” Clark told reporters when asked what she recalls most about the game on May 3. “I recall my first college game vividly. This is a significant milestone for me; I’ve always wanted to play in the WNBA.”
Clark was selected first overall in this year’s draft by Indiana following a great collegiate career at Iowa, where she became a national celebrity. Clark led the Hawkeyes to two Final Four visits, resulting in record ratings, and she set the NCAA scoring record.
“My biggest goal coming into tonight was to continue to be myself, play aggressive,” Clark said. “I assumed that was what I did. I believe there is a lot to be proud of.
Caitlin Clark: ‘There’s a lot of good to take away’
Clark hit her first shot, an extra-long three-pointer. She maintained her outstanding play throughout, recording three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 28 minutes of action.
“I was able to get a pretty clean look for my first shot,” Clark added. “It’s always nice to see your first shot go in when you’re a shooter.”
Unfortunately, the last one did not go in for Clark and the Fever. She missed a last-second three-pointer that would have knotted the game at the conclusion of regulation, but Clark remained composed after the preseason defeat.
“There’s a lot of positive to take away from it. “At the same time, it’s a preseason game, so don’t be too disappointed,” Clark explained. “Just go back and watch the film, learn from it and get ready for our next one.”
She also acknowledged her admiration for the game as a whole, despite the loss.
“You couldn’t ask for a better game, really, for women’s basketball to kick off this year,” Clark said. “A thrilling game coming down to the wire, with both teams competing. That will be the story of the entire year.”
Christie Sides, Head Coach of Fever: ‘This is When You Fix Things’
Indiana had a lot of close games last season, which was brought up by Fever head coach Christie Sides during a media interview.
“This is when you mend things. “You play these games so you can fix some of the problems,” Sides explained.
Indiana has a few days to prepare for its preseason home opener on May 9 against the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta defeated the Washington Mystics, 87-84, in their preseason opener on May 4.
Following a trade with the Wings, the Dream acquired Crystal Dangerfield, the previous WNBA Rookie of the Year, to their squad. Dallas got a third-round draft pick in 2025.
Indiana is the Dream’s only chance to acclimatize Dangerfield to the lineup before the regular season. Preseason activity for both the Fever and the Dream concludes on May 10.
Indiana’s regular season begins on May 14 against the Connecticut Sun, while the Dream play the Los Angeles Sparks on May 15.
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