Caitlin Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA has been nothing short of a spectacular whirlwind. The Indiana Fever star is lighting up the court, averaging a jaw-dropping 16.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. If she keeps up this blistering pace, she could set a new WNBA record by the season’s end. But that’s not the only record Clark is shattering.
Caitlin Clark: The Phenomenon On and Off the Court
Recently, Clark shared a photo on her Instagram that perfectly encapsulates her on-court swagger and the overwhelming fan support she garners wherever she goes. Captured by independent photographer Bri Lewerke, the image quickly made the rounds on social media, delighting fans and WNBA enthusiasts alike.
When Clark was drafted, the WNBA knew they had a game-changer on their hands. Her arrival has not only elevated the Fever’s profile but also boosted the league’s visibility. Thanks to her magnetic presence, an astounding 36 out of 40 Fever games are nationally televised this season. That’s right, folks, you can hardly flip through channels without bumping into Caitlin Clark’s highlight reel.
And it’s not just the TV ratings that are soaring. Stadiums are filling up to catch a glimpse of this rising star. Halfway through the season, the Fever lead the WNBA in attendance, drawing an average of 16,680 fans per game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clearly, the Fever’s home games have become the hottest ticket in town.
A Triumphant Return to Minnesota
This week, Clark returned to Minnesota as a WNBA rookie for the first time and led the Fever to an 81-74 victory over the Lynx, her childhood favorite team. The game, played before a sold-out crowd of 18,978, marked the Lynx’s largest attendance since the 2016 WNBA Finals. Clark dazzled with 17 points and six assists, leaving the crowd in awe.
Indiana coach Christie Sides couldn’t help but notice the unusual fan reactions during road games. “We were watching video after games, and shots are made, and when we make them on the road, you can hear the crowd, which is not normal,” Sides remarked. Seems like everywhere Clark goes, she takes a piece of home-court advantage with her.
Full-Circle Moments at Target Center
Clark, a lifelong fan of Lynx legend Maya Moore, reflected on the surreal experience of playing in the Target Center. “If you would have told me that as a young kid I would be playing in the game that her jersey gets retired, it’s very full-circle for me,” Clark said. The Fever and Lynx will clash again at the Target Center on August 24, a game that will see Moore’s number retired. Talk about a storybook career moment.
Fans have been showing their love for Clark in creative ways, from witty T-shirts to clever signs. One shirt boldly proclaimed, “You break it, you own it,” a nod to Clark’s NCAA scoring exploits. Another fan sign read, “Iowa has Caitlin Fever.” Clearly, Clark’s appeal transcends state lines and basketball loyalties.
Clark’s ability to connect with fans, especially young girls, is a sight to behold. “It’s not something that ever gets old for me, to see all these young kids,” Clark shared. “These are moments that people spend a lot of time and money and effort to make special.” And special she makes them, both on and off the court.
As Caitlin Clark continues her meteoric rise, one thing is clear: she’s not just playing the game; she’s changing it.
