The wait is over, folks! Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation, is back to electrify the court – or at least try not to collect any more turnovers than she already has. Seriously, who knew a rookie could lead the league in both assists and turnovers? That’s like being the world’s best baker but also constantly setting off the fire alarm. 🤷♂️
But let’s get to the good stuff: the WNBA is back, baby! The second half of the 2024 season kicks off this Thursday after the Olympics break, and basketball fans are chomping at the bit like they’re about to witness Michael Jordan’s reincarnation. Okay, maybe that’s a bit much, but hey, Caitlin Clark in action is a sight to behold!
The Fever host the Phoenix Mercury this Friday, August 16, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clark will take the court, possibly with her eyes on that elusive triple-double she keeps flirting with – like seriously, just grab that extra rebound already! The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET, and if you’re smart enough, you’ll either catch it on ION or stream it on WNBA League Pass (it’s only $12.99 a month, which is cheaper than a sad date night).
Clark vs. Mercury: Take Three Now, this is the third time Clark will face off against the Phoenix Mercury, so you know the drill. It’s like watching your favorite movie for the third time – still good, but you already know where the explosions happen. In the first matchup, Clark nearly secured a triple-double. But in true dramatic fashion, she fell one rebound short, probably because the basketball gods decided to have a laugh at her expense. She ended with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 12 assists during the Fever’s nail-biting 88-82 victory in Phoenix on June 30. Sure, she shot 4-of-14 from the field and 2-of-10 from downtown, but hey, at least she wasn’t handing out turnovers like Oprah on a good day.
In the second showdown, Clark decided to turn the dial up a notch, because why not? She dropped 20 points and a casual 13 assists in a 95-86 Fever win on July 12. Oh, and she also managed to throw in a couple of blocks and a steal because she’s fancy like that. The point guard shot a much-improved 8-of-16, making sure the crowd got their money’s worth. And hey, 2-of-7 from 3-point range isn’t too shabby for someone who’s essentially adjusting to pro ball like a fish learning to walk on land. 👟🐠
Caitlin Clark’s Rookie Recap: MVP? Or Just A Lot of Turnovers? Drafted as the No. 1 pick, Clark had the weight of the world – or at least Indiana – on her shoulders. And after 26 games, the numbers aren’t half bad! She’s putting up 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Oh, and let’s not forget her league-leading 5.6 turnovers per game, because balance is everything, right?
Clark’s shooting 40.5% from the field, which means about half her shots are doing what they’re supposed to – the other half, well, let’s just say they’re keeping the ball boys busy. From 3-point land, she’s hitting 32.7%, which isn’t bad, but definitely leaves room for improvement (or for some miracle-working shooting coach to step in). But credit where it’s due: she’s leading all rookies in six statistical categories, so it’s safe to say she’s still living up to the hype – just with a few extra hiccups along the way.
So, what can we expect this Friday? Well, if history repeats itself, Clark will once again put on a show, collect a near triple-double, and probably leave us all on the edge of our seats, waiting for that last rebound. Either way, you’ll want to be there – or at least pretend you watched it when you see the highlights on social media.
