IN PHOTOS: Caitlin Clark poses with Lisa Bluder, Jan Jensen and more after first WNBA home game against New York Liberty
The New York Liberty and Breanna Stewart made it a tough Thursday night for Caitlin Clark and her Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the former Iowa Hawkeyes star's WNBA home debut. The Fever lost heavily, 102-66, on the night, and the women's college basketball record points scorer struggled.
Clark registered nine points, going 2 for 8 from the floor, 1 for 7 from beyond the arc and tallied seven rebounds and six assists to go with three turnovers.
Shaking off the disappointment of defeat, Clark had lots of support in the stands, with her family, former Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder and current coach Jan Jensen among the fans who came to support her.
A picture of Clark posing with all the parties was posted on Instagram by sports photographer Bri Lewerke.
Caitlin Clark gets consolation from the greats
Caitlin Clark got a rude introduction to the WNBA during the home game against the New York Liberty on Thursday, with the star rookie regularly subjected to physical defense and running into foul trouble early herself.
Breanna Stewart, who tallied 31 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, revealed that the Liberty had a plan to combat the threat from Caitlin Clark, indicating that WNBA teams are actively planning on how to stifle the 2024 No. 1 pick.
Stewart, who led the Huskies to four national championships and was the 2016 WNBA No. 1 draft pick, knows a thing or two about pressure, and she had kind words for Clark.
"Obviously, she's (Clark) a very talented player and she's your No. 1 pick and No. 1 picks continue to grow and develop into this league and really make their mark," Stewart said. "For her to be able to handle everything that she's handling on and off the court and still play and be locked in with her team, it's great to see."
During her postgame news conference, Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu, who starred for the Oregon Ducks and came into the WNBA as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft, also sympathized with Caitlin Clark.
Ionescu revealed her faith in Clark turning around her WNBA form and delivering on the hype that has accompanied most of her career.
“You’re always going to fight adversity, I think that’s part of everyone’s journey, to weather that storm and figure out what makes you, you,” Ionescu said. “She’s (Clark) so young, she’s going to be able to learn and grow and times like this are kind of when you figure out what you’re really made of … I’m not the least bit worried about what’s she’s going to be able to accomplish in the league.”
As she tries to find her footing in the WNBA, the spotlight will become even harsher on Caitlin Clark as pros put a target on the back of the 2024 WNBA No. 1 draft pick every night.