Caitlin Clark’s long-awaited debut at Chase Middle was meant to be particular.
And for a short second earlier than tip-off, it was, till the sport began.
“I instructed Kate [Martin] this after shootaround – this enviornment is completely unbelievable. I’m excited to play right here; it’s my first time. I grew up watching Steph. To me, he’s one of many best basketball gamers of all time. … I believe he’s actually modified the best way basketball is being performed,” Clark stated earlier than her Indiana Fever confronted off towards the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday night time.
Caitlin Clark obtained the complete NBA therapy in San Francisco, each on and off the courtroom.
Whereas she was busy adjusting to the highlight, Brandin Podziemski, a member of the Golden State Warriors, was sitting courtside and let her learn about it.
Podziemski didn’t simply watch. He stood, shouted, clapped, celebrated each missed shot, and even hit Steph Curry’s signature “night time night time” pose because the Fever fell 88–77. Clark completed with simply 3-of-14 taking pictures and missed all seven of her makes an attempt from deep.
The second wasn’t misplaced on her, nevertheless it clearly wasn’t the efficiency she envisioned.
Golden State’s Kayla Thornton led the best way with 16 factors, whereas Clark’s former Iowa teammate Kate Martin chipped in 9 factors and 5 boards off the bench.
Clark, who entered the night time averaging 21.3 factors whereas taking pictures over 44 p.c from the sphere and 40 p.c from three, had no solutions for the Valkyries’ swarming protection and hostile vitality.
She’ll get one other crack at them quickly sufficient, with Indiana internet hosting the Valkyries on July 9 earlier than returning to Golden State on August 31.
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