On an evening marked by a milestone achievement, Caitlin Clark’s inaugural WNBA All-Star selection was overshadowed by a challenging performance on the court. The Indiana Fever’s rising star struggled with her shooting, managing just 4-of-12 from the field and a dismal 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, culminating in 13 points during an 88-69 loss to the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces.
The night belonged to Kelsey Plum, who dominated with a season-high 34 points, leading all scorers. Her teammate, A’ja Wilson, delivered a powerful performance with 28 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks. For the Fever, Kelsey Mitchell, also an All-Star, was the leading scorer with 23 points.
In a testament to Clark’s growing influence, the game was moved to the larger T-Mobile Arena to accommodate the surge in ticket demand. Normally, the Aces play at the Michelob Ultra Arena, which holds around 12,000 fans. On this occasion, a staggering 20,366 spectators packed the arena, marking the fifth-largest crowd in WNBA history and the largest since 1999.
The Fever’s head coach, Christie Sides, emphasized the need for Clark to be more aggressive offensively, aiming for at least 15 shots per game. However, against the Aces, Clark’s shooting woes persisted, as she didn’t score her first field goal until the latter part of the first half and made her first three-pointer late in the third quarter.
Despite her shooting struggles, Clark showcased her all-around game with 11 assists, including a dazzling behind-the-back pass that led to an Aliyah Boston basket. Clark also contributed six rebounds and a steal, although she committed six turnovers.
the behind-the-back dime
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 3, 2024
Caitlin Clark finds Aliyah Boston for the bucket. pic.twitter.com/qiqaeBPzY8
Boston, another standout All-Star, recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, further highlighting her consistent impact on the game.
As the Fever look to bounce back, they are set to host the New York Liberty on July 6 at 1 p.m. ET, with the game scheduled to be broadcast on CBS. The upcoming match presents another opportunity for Clark and the Fever to regroup and demonstrate their potential.