UNCASVILLE, Conn. – The Connecticut Sun defeated the Indiana Fever by double digits on Tuesday night to spoil Caitlin Clark's debut in the WNBA before a historic full house on the opening night of the league season.
Clark, heavily guarded by the Sun's DiJonai Carrington, was scoreless in the first quarter and was 2 of 7 from the field, including 1 of 4 from deep, with no rebounds, one assist and five turnovers in the first half to help to the Sun. to maintain their double-digit lead.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever controls the ball, defended by DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun, during the third quarter of the game at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 14, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Fever head coach Christie Sides highlighted the team's critical turnovers, 10 of which came of Clark.
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“We don't have a lot of practice time for the next one,” Sides said of Indiana's quick turnaround to host the New York Liberty on Thursday night.
“Tomorrow we'll be in the gym watching a lot of videos, trying to figure out how not to turn the ball over 25 times for 29 points.”
Clark's struggles were evident early on, but he managed to adjust in the second half and finished with a team-high 20 points.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts during the second quarter against the Connecticut Sun in the game at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 14, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Elsa/Getty Images)
“I thought our first few possessions were good, and then they ran out and we really struggled to score,” Clark said after the loss. “We didn't really get into much.”
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Clark attributed the high rate of rotation to the physical appearance of the Sun and some “uncharacteristic” moments of it.
“I think collectively, 25 turnovers will make it very difficult for us to win.”
Despite the loss and slow start, Clark's popularity in the WNBA continues.
The crowd of nearly 9,000 fans roared when Clark's name was called on the court. The Suns said Tuesday's game marked the first time since the franchise's inaugural season in 2003 that a home opener was sold out.
Fans are seen wearing t-shirts and holding signs in support of Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark #22 before a game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 14, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Elsa/Getty Images)
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Clark's first touch of the game drew similar cheers, rivaling the cheers of the home crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Tuesday marked Clark's second sell-out game in his professional career. In his preseason debut against the Dallas Wings earlier this month, Clark scored a team-high 21 points before a packed arena.
Taking the field for the first time at Gainbridge Fieldhouse last week, Clark also drew a record crowd of 13,028, a franchise record triple last season's 4,000.
Indiana opens the season at home on Thursday when it hosts Liberty at 7 pm ET.
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