Caitlin Clark won her first professional game on Thursday night

Clark is gearing up for her season debut on May 14th

Clark is gearing up for her season debut on May 14thLAPRESSE

In a thrilling conclusion to their preseason campaign, the Indiana Fever secured a hard-fought victory over the Atlanta Dream, with a final score of 83-80. The win not only marked a successful conclusion to the preseason for the Fever but also provided rookie sensation Caitlin Clark with her first taste of victory in the WNBA.

Clark, who showcased her talent with 21 points in the Fever’s previous matchup against the Dallas Wings, faced a tougher shooting night against the Dream. Despite shooting just 4-for-12 from the field and 2-for-9 from beyond the arc, Clark‘s impact on the game extended beyond scoring. In addition to her 12 points, she contributed eight rebounds and six assists, highlighting her versatility on the court.

Defensively, Clark also made her presence felt, delivering a well-timed block against Crystal Dangerfield, showcasing her ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Although Clark may have wished for better shooting efficiency, she demonstrated her trademark long-range shooting prowess with a pivotal three-pointer that extended the Fever’s lead over the Dream.

NaLyssa Smith outscored Caitlin Clark

Teammate NaLyssa Smith emerged as the leading scorer for the Fever, notching 21 points on nine-of-16 shooting. Smith benefited from Clark’s playmaking abilities, as Clark provided several assists, including a highlight-worthy touch pass for a transition bucket.

Aliyah Boston, the Fever’s 2023 No. 1 overall pick, and Katie Lou Samuelson also contributed to the scoring effort, each dropping 11 points.

With the preseason now in the rearview mirror, Clark and the Fever are set to embark on their regular-season journey. The rookie’s highly anticipated debut awaits as the Fever gear up to face the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, marking the official start of Clark’s WNBA career. The matchup promises to be an exciting test for Clark and the Fever as they look to build on their preseason success and make a statement in the league.