The Caitlin Clark impact is in full swing.
The previous Iowa star made her debut in Indiana on Thursday evening within the Fever’s closing preseason sport in opposition to the Atlanta Dream, and followers flocked to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to look at the WNBA rookie in motion.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, ties her sneakers earlier than the sport in opposition to the Atlanta Dream on Could 9, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE through Getty Photos)
The group attendance set a file for the franchise, which averaged simply 4,000 followers a sport final season.
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The official attendance on Thursday evening was greater than triple at 13,028.
“It was loads of enjoyable. I believed they have been loud, I believed they have been into it. It was enjoyable to see some folks in some Iowa stuff after which lots of people in Fever gear,” Clark stated throughout her postgame presser.
“It is a preseason sport on a Thursday evening and there’s 13,000 folks right here. I believe that simply exhibits what it is going to be like for us all season, and it is going to assist us. You understand, these are going to be video games at house that you simply’re going to wish to win. So I’m excited for our house opener. I believe it is going to be a packed home, clearly, versus a extremely nice staff.
Younger followers maintain up indicators supporting Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, enjoying in opposition to the Atlanta Dream throughout a WNBA preseason sport on Could 9, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
“It’s fairly unimaginable, 13,000 at a preseason sport is fairly remarkable.”
NaLyssa Smith, who led the staff with 21 factors, echoed that sentiment.
“The vitality in Gainbridge is large for us. That’s what motivates us and pushes us to go that additional mile. I’m excited to see what the longer term holds with the followers and stuff – its an thrilling time for us.”
Clark picked up her first win within the WNBA within the Fever’s 83-80 comeback victory over Atlanta. She completed with 12 factors, eight rebounds, six assists and 6 turnovers, going 4 of 12 from the sphere and a pair of of 9 on 3s in 31 minutes.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, indicators autographs after the sport in opposition to the Atlanta Dream on Could 9, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE through Getty Photos)
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For Clark, hitting 3s was not the spotlight of her sport.
“I dont assume I used to be that efficient, truthfully. I believed, greater than something, I did a extremely good job passing the ball… I don’t know. I believe I bought within the paint. Clearly, I’d’ve wish to make a pair extra 3s, however generally that’s the way you shoot it.”
The Fever’s season will begin Tuesday with an away sport in opposition to the Connecticut Solar.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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