Caitlin Clark thought the Fever were close at times.
Before her first basketball game in New York City, Clark reflected on how a 36-point loss to the Liberty on Thursday contained moments where it felt like they were close and others where it was clear that wouldn’t be enough — “especially with their effort early in the game when there’s moments when you shouldn’t be tired,” she said
And then Clark went out and pieced together the best quarter of her career — and a strong overall game — in the Fever’s rematch against the Liberty on Saturday, which amounted to a 91-80 Indiana loss.
Clark notched 10 points and three assists in the opening frame, helping keep the Fever in the game with a pair of 3-pointers as the Liberty built an early double-digit lead during their home opener at Barclays Center.
She finished the game with 22 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the Fever’s third straight loss.
Clark started in the first quarter by driving and scoring on Betnijah Laney-Hamilton — who was her primary defender earlier this week at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and collected a plus-43 — on the Fever’s second possession, and she threaded a pass to NaLyssa Smith on the next possession.
Her 3-pointer with just over six minutes left in the quarter gave the Fever a one-point lead, too.
Indiana Fever guard #22 Caitlin Clark shoots the ball during a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty. AFP via Getty ImagesClark helped spark Indiana’s transition offense, telling ESPN in between the first two quarters quarters that she thinks it was “beneficial” to their flow up and down the court.
She added another 3 later in the quarter, curling around the arc and away from Laney to create a shooting window that was — temporarily — open.
That’s all Clark needed.
Clark’s WNBA career has started with three losses, and in all three games, she flashed the potential that resulted in her being selected No. 1 overall but also experienced some growing pains.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever warms up prior to her game against the New York Liberty for their home opener at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi/New York PostShe turned the ball over 10 times.
She limited that to three against the Liberty on Thursday, but she only finished with two made shots and nine points.
Clark turned the ball over eight times on Saturday afternoon.
But it was largely a successful outing in her NYC basketball debut in the pro ranks.
“Great environment for women’s basketball,” Clark told ESPN about Barclays Center in between the first and second quarters. “It’s awesome.”
