Caitlin Clark’s WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever included some internet-famous moments, including a photo that everyone is talking about. A picture from the match captures Jacy Sheldon, a rookie from the Dallas Wings, falling back while trying to defend against one of Clark's moves.
It may have been a significant moment for Sheldon as she started her WNBA journey, even though Clark is also a rookie. Some fans are expressing dissatisfaction that Clark may have pushed off a bit during the play.
Here’s the actual play captured in the photo.
The Wings had the final victory as Arike Ogunbowale made the game-winning three-point shot with three seconds remaining in the game. If the preseason game is any indication, basketball fans can expect an exciting WNBA season.
NOT HER FIRST TIME. WON'T BE HER LAST. https://t.co/SINX2gAt6x pic.twitter.com/D9WCDCIyMi
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) May 4, 2024
Clark seemed to adapt immediately, scoring 21 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, making 2 assists, and getting 2 steals in her WNBA preseason debut. The guard probably wishes she could take back her 5 turnovers.
The Fever have one more preseason game left against the Atlanta Dream on May 9. Clark will have her first WNBA regular season game against the Connecticut Sun on May 14.
Caitlin Clark talks about her WNBA debut with the Fever against the Wings: ‘You Couldn’t Ask for a Better Game’
Clark and the Fever would have preferred to win, but the star commended the overall atmosphere for the start of the preseason. The Indiana guard anticipates more of the same throughout the WNBA season.
“Yeah, I think the fans are always what makes women’s basketball so fun,” Clark mentioned during a May 3 press conference. “I think over the last couple of years, it has continued to grow. It’s really special for them to come out and support me during my first WNBA game. It’s an important moment not just for me, but for both teams on the court. They get to witness how great this product is.
“You couldn’t ask for a better game, really, to kick off this year's women’s basketball season. It was an incredible game, coming down to the wire. Both teams competing, and that's going to be the theme for the whole year.”
Caitlin Clark on Adapting to the WNBA: ‘You Cannot Relax in This League for 1 Second’
The top pick is already noticing some differences between her time at Iowa and her new life in the W. Clark's main insight is that you have to give your all during “every single second” in WNBA matches.
“I believe the most important thing is that when you're playing with this much talent on the court, you can't afford to let up for even a second,” Clark explained. “If you relax for a moment, they will beat you with a screen. They will beat you with whatever [the play] is. I think that’s the main point— you cannot relax for even a second in this league.
“So, getting used to that, and playing hard every single second,” Clark added. “But overall, I think we did really well, everyone played, executed. I thought we could have slowed it down a bit in the second half and run our plays more effectively. But, in general, we ran the floor really, really well.”
