There’s no denying that Caitlin Clark has transformed into a media sensation since her days with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Her exceptional play, charisma, and straightforward approach to the game have captivated fans without any need for theatrics. To many, she is already a beacon for future generations. Since stepping into the WNBA, she has consistently broken viewership records and spiked the demand for games in a rapidly expanding league this season.
Clark’s popularity is so immense that yesterday’s game in Atlanta was relocated from the Gateway Center, which accommodates 3,500 fans, to the Atlanta Hawks’ State Farm Arena. A crowd of 17,575 fans established a new record for single-game home attendance for the Dream. The previous record was 11,609, set during the franchise’s inaugural game against the Detroit Shock in 2008. Clark’s influence is unmistakable, making her a pivotal figure in the league. Her presence has even influenced the league’s decision to allow all teams access to private jets for travel, a luxury that was unheard of before Clark’s arrival.
Yesterday, the Indiana Fever clinched their fourth consecutive win against the Atlanta Dream, ending the game at 91-79. Five players from the team scored 10 or more points, with NaLyssa Smith leading with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Smith, alongside Kelsey Mitchell, is proving to be a formidable partner to Clark, who added 16 points and seven assists. With one of those assists, Caitlin Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to achieve 250+ points and 100+ assists, surpassing legend Sue Bird, who accomplished this in 19 games, whereas Clark did it in just 17.
Starting the season with a 1-8 record, Indiana has now improved to 7-10. The Fever last won four games consecutively in 2015, which was also their last appearance in the WNBA Finals. They now have the chance to extend their winning streak to five games with an upcoming match against the Chicago Sky and Angel Reese, who recently had the best game of her career. Anticipation for Clark vs. Reese 3.0 is building. Vivid Seats reports that tickets for the game at Wintrust Arena are averaging $351, with the lowest priced at $164. Once again, this underscores Clark’s remarkable impact on the league – truly astounding.
