Caitlin Clark’s WNBA journey hit a triumphant note as she drained the dagger shots to propel the Indiana Fever to a hard-fought 78-73 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, snapping their season-opening five-game skid. The No. 1 overall draft pick shrugged off an underwhelming start to etch her name in the win column for the first time.
Clark’s stat line was modest until the closing minutes, with a mere five points and an 0-for-7 mark from beyond the arc. However, her clutch gene kicked into high gear when it mattered most, unfazed by her earlier struggles. First, she launched a deep triple to stretch the Fever’s lead to six with just two-and-half minutes remaining.
Then, the coup de grâce – a sublime stepback from distance that essentially sealed the deal for Indiana, leaving the Sparks in her wake with only 40 ticks left on the clock.
While Clark’s numbers may not have matched the lofty standards she set at Iowa, her overall impact was undeniable. She registered 11 points on an inefficient 4-of-14 shooting (2-of-9 from deep), but complemented it with a team-high 10 rebounds, eight assists, and four steals, showcasing her all-around prowess.
Evaluating Clark’s performance through the lens of a rookie who has shouldered the primary playmaking duties for a team that mustered just 13 wins last season, less than two months removed from a grueling college campaign, paints an encouraging picture of a player destined for greatness.
The Fever (1-5) found themselves trailing by 11 at the half, but a sloppy display by the Sparks, who coughed up the ball 19 times, allowed them to claw their way back. Veteran Kelsey Mitchell spearheaded the charge with 18 points, 13 of which came in the final frame, while Indiana’s previous No. 1 pick, Aaliyah Boston, chipped in with 17 points and six boards.
For the Sparks, the No. 2 overall selection, Cameron Brink, had her best outing yet, tallying 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Dearica Hamby was a force, amassing 18 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in a losing effort.