Caitlin Clark's WNBA debut reflected both the player's immense talent and the changes she needs to account for as she embarks on a new chapter in pro basketball.
Clark started and played 32 minutes for the Indiana Fever against the powerhouse Connecticut Sun. But while she led her team with 20 points and knocked down four 3-pointers, Clark also set an unfortunate debut record as the Fever fell, 92-71, at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Clark sets a record she did not want
Clark's loose and lightning-fast playing style occasionally led to turnover problems when she played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. The issue popped up in her first WNBA challenge on Tuesday night, as she set a record for the most turnovers by a rookie playing in their first game.
Clark also set a Fever franchise record for turnovers with 10 -- compared to only three assists. Sun guard DiJonai Carrington stuck to Clark like glue and imparted a lesson to the two-time Naismith National Player of the Year: the WNBA is a different ballgame.
Expectations for Clark in the WNBA are sky-high after the scoring records she broke in college -- and the attention she brought to women's basketball. But the learning curve for young guards especially can be a bit steep when they enter the WNBA, as they are thrown into games against bigger, stronger women who have been playing professionally -- domestically and overseas -- for several years already.
Clark dealt with some of that physicality for the first time on Tuesday night, and the Fever -- as well as the scores of fans who are new to the WNBA -- will hope she turns this negative experience into a positive one. Clark's scoring ability still shone through in the 21-point defeat, but the road doesn't get easier for the Fever -- Indiana's next opponent is the New York Liberty, last season's WNBA Finals runners-up.
Caitlin Clark made her long-anticipated WNBA debut, with the Indiana Fever losing to the Connecticut Sun 92-71 on Tuesday night. Clark, who set records as the NCAA's all-time Division I scoring leader, managed to score 20 points despite early setbacks.
The Indiana Fever attempted a comeback in the third quarter but ultimately fell short, resulting in a loss.
Clark's first WNBA game hints at a bright future, much like Michael Jordan's early days in the NBA. Her performance suggests she could be a game-changer for women's basketball, drawing more attention and enthusiasm to the sport for years to come.
Reflecting on her debut, there are echoes of NBA great Jordan's first professional game. Like Jordan, Clark showed her potential and determination in her inaugural appearance.
The similarities
Jordan debuted on October 26, 1984, after shining in the 1984 Olympics. In his first regular-season game for the Chicago Bulls against the Washington Bullets, Jordan scored 16 points, with six rebounds and seven assists, leading the Bulls to a 109-93 victory.
Clark's debut had its share of challenges, as the Sun's defense forced her into a game-high 10 turnovers, contributing to the Fever's 25 overall. Nevertheless, she hit four three-pointers and demonstrated her scoring ability.
Jordan's debut saw him face established players such as Orlando Woolridge and Quintin Dailey. Similarly, Clark faced a formidable opponent in the Connecticut Sun, showcasing her resilience and skill under pressure.
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15 май 2024
