Caitlin Clark leads the Pacers to 2-0 in pre-season, smashes WNBA record
Caitlin Clark returned to the hardwood in iconic fashion Sunday, leading the Indiana Fever to a dominant 108-44 preseason win over Brazil’s national team — and breaking a WNBA record in the process.
The 23-year-old sensation played her first game in over 200 days and did it at Iowa’s Carver Hawkeye Arena, drawing a sold-out crowd and smashing the WNBA’s all-time record for average ticket price.
According to ESPN, seats went for an eye-watering $670, the highest since data tracking began in 2015.
Clark delivered 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists — and dropped a trademark 36-foot three-pointer from the logo, nearly from the same spot where she broke the NCAA scoring record.
“I don’t know if I shoot 36-footers every day, but 30-plus for sure,” Clark said. “You don’t always realise where you are. It was spur-of-the-moment.”
Her return followed a wave of commentary after Angel Reese’s mother took a swipe at Clark’s fanbase online, contrasting Clark’s sell-out crowd with a less-than-half-full arena for Reese’s return to LSU.
"Aww that certain fan base looking in the stands celebrating 'attendance' while others are looking up in the rafters celebrating championship banners," she posted. "We ain’t the same."
While the Reese vs. Clark chatter dominated headlines, both stars performed well on court.
Reese had 15 points and 10 rebounds in 16 minutes Friday night, while Clark electrified fans in her own way Sunday. Even members of Brazil’s team were spotted asking her for autographs after the game.
Clark later told reporters, “I haven’t played in, like, 200 days, so I was a little nervous. But the competitive spirit in me — you just want to play really good for these fans.”
Other Fever standouts included Kelsey Mitchell with 17 points, Aliyah Boston with 11, and Natasha Howard who added 10.
The Fever wrap up preseason against the Atlanta Dream this Saturday before their regular season opener against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on May 17.