Caitlin Clark makes WNBA debut: Recap and highlights as Arike Ogunbowale, Wings edge Fever

by

Caitlin Clark had an impressive WNBA debut, but ultimately it was Arike Ogunbowale who stole the show.

In the preseason opener for both teams, the Dallas Wings secured a 79-76 victory over the Indiana Fever. With just three seconds remaining, Clark, a sixth-year WNBA guard, showcased her signature move from her time at Iowa by hitting a crossover, step-back 3-pointer that granted the Wings a three-point lead. Despite her effort, Clark’s last-second three-pointer failed to find its mark.

Ogunbowale is well-known for her ability to make clutch shots. She demonstrated this during the 2018 Final Four when she made back-to-back game-winning, buzzer-beating 3-pointers, ultimately leading Notre Dame to victory and securing the NCAA championship.

In Friday night’s game, Ogunbowale scored a total of 19 points. Notably, her game-winning shot was the only successful 3-pointer she made throughout the match.

The preseason game that took place in the 28-year history of the WNBA had generated immense anticipation, as viewers from all around eagerly tuned in to witness Clark’s performance at the professional level. From the very start, she captivated the audience with her exceptional skills and put on an impressive display.

In her debut professional game, Clark had an impressive performance, scoring 21 points, with 16 of them coming in the first half. Although she contributed well to the team with three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, she will surely be disappointed with the five turnovers she made.

Jaelyn Brown, a graduate from Cal in 2020 who went undrafted and has been playing overseas in recent years, showcased her skills by leading the Wings with 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting. The Fever, on the other hand, saw NaLyssa Smith contribute 20 points, while Erica Wheeler added 16 points to their tally.

‘You couldn’t ask for a better game’: Caitlin Clark revels in her WNBA debut

Friday night has been eagerly awaited by Caitlin Clark for quite a while.

In her WNBA debut, the player chosen as the top pick in the 2024 draft delivered an impressive performance, racking up 21 points, with 15 of those coming from her trademark long-range three-point shots. The crowd was ecstatic, eagerly anticipating her skills on display. College Park Center, situated on the UT-Arlington campus and accommodating just over 6,500 spectators, reached full capacity for this preseason matchup, which is quite unusual. The stands were filled with fans donning Clark jerseys and t-shirts, proudly representing both the Fever and Iowa. Clark herself was thrilled by the overwhelming support.

When asked about her debut, Clark didn’t hesitate to share her most memorable moment.

“The atmosphere,” Clark reminisced. “I have vivid memories of my first college game as well… This is a significant milestone for me. Playing in the WNBA has always been a dream of mine.”

The current excitement surrounding women’s basketball is unparalleled, according to Clark. In addition to the Dallas-Indiana game on Friday night, the Chicago Sky, which boasts two first-round draft picks, also played a preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx. Although the game was not accessible on WNBA League Pass, a fan in attendance in Minneapolis live-streamed the event on their Twitter account, attracting over 170,000 viewers.

The fans in Dallas were treated to an exciting match that kept them on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Clark expressed his enthusiasm for the game, stating that it was an ideal matchup for women’s basketball.

Fever head coach:  Christie Sides says Indiana is still ‘learning’ Clark

Despite scoring 21 points in her WNBA debut, Caitlin Clark couldn’t prevent the Indiana Fever from losing their first preseason game against the Dallas Wings on Friday. Nevertheless, head coach Christie Sides sees the defeat as a valuable learning opportunity for her team.

“It’s all part of the learning process,” Sides explained. “We’re learning from Clark and the rest of our team. We’re also figuring out who’s performing well and which rotation works best for us.”

During the game, it was evident that Clark was exhausted to the point where she had to request a substitution. Sides recognized this and emphasized the need to prevent her from reaching that level of fatigue. The priority was to protect her so that she could perform effectively in the crucial fourth quarter, during which she managed to contribute five points.

“We’ve only been working with Caitlin Clark, our new point guard, for just five days,” Sides explained. “Fortunately, we have a talented group of players surrounding her, so she doesn’t have to shoulder all the burden.”

Caitlin Clark highlights from WNBA debut

Minnesota Lynx prevail as Angel Reese makes Chicago Sky debut

The Minnesota Lynx dominated the Chicago Sky in a preseason game on Friday night, emerging victorious with a final score of 92-81.

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso made their professional debuts for the Sky during the game. Reese was on the brink of achieving a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Cardoso contributed with six points and four rebounds.

The true stars of the show, however, were the experienced players of the Lynx. Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams both contributed 17 points, showcasing their skill and leadership on the court. Bridget Carleton also made a significant impact with 12 points, further solidifying the Lynx’s dominance.

Lindsay Allen was the leading scorer for Chicago, contributing an impressive 17 points to the team’s total.

How many points did Caitlin Clark have today?

Caitlin Clark had an impressive WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever, scoring 21 points. Despite her remarkable performance, the Dallas Wings managed to secure a 79-76 victory in the preseason opener for both teams.

Read More:  Former University of Illinois basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. to stand trial for felony rape charges

Clark made 6 of her 15 field goal attempts, with 5 of those shots coming from beyond the arc. In addition to her scoring, she contributed three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. However, she also committed the most turnovers on the team with five.

Here is a complete summary of the game.

Final: Dallas Wings 79, Indiana Fever 76

Arike Ogunbowale sealed the victory for Dallas with an impressive crossover and step-back 3-pointer, giving them a 79-76 lead with just three seconds remaining. In a thrilling finish, Caitlin Clark attempted a difficult game-tying shot from the corner at the buzzer, but unfortunately missed. This close preseason opener saw the Wings emerge victorious over the Indiana Fever.

Caitlin Clark effect: NBA playoffs take backseat to Fever-Wings preseason match on X

The WNBA debut of Caitlin Clark has captured everyone’s attention.

The Indiana Fever’s preseason game against the Dallas Wings overlaps with the first-round NBA playoff game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. However, the NBA’s official X account still showcases Clark’s highlights. In the past, the WNBA preseason received little attention, but this year is different. With the record-breaking viewership of 2.45 million for the draft, featuring standout players like Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and Angel Reese, there is a growing interest in Clark and the women’s game.

“I’m actually tuning into a WNBA preseason game instead of the NBA playoffs,” shared X user @StockTalks21. “If that doesn’t demonstrate the influence Caitlin Clark is having on women’s basketball, I don’t know what does.”

With only 144 roster spots available across the country, the WNBA is often regarded as the most challenging league to break into.

In reality, due to salary caps, several teams opt to carry only 11 players instead of 12. Recently, the W conducted its draft and selected 36 players, although the majority of them are unlikely to secure a spot on the final roster.

It’s often assumed that the roster spots in the W are primarily occupied by seasoned veterans, but in reality, there’s room for players who have only recently graduated from college. Jaelyn Brown serves as a perfect illustration of this.

Brown, who has already scored 19 points in the first three quarters and played a crucial role in narrowing the gap to just two points at 62-60, wasn’t selected in the draft after her senior season at Cal in 2019-20. Determined to improve her skills, she decided to go overseas and refine her craft. Currently, she is competing for a spot on the Wings’ roster as WNBA teams are required to reduce their rosters to 12 players or less by May 13.

It remains to be seen whether Brown will ultimately secure a spot on the team or maintain this level of performance. However, one thing is certain: the competition in this league has undoubtedly intensified.

I believe I have discovered the song that was played during halftime at the Dallas Wings’ game: “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John.

The message in the locker room was clear: get up close and personal with Caitlin Clark. The opposing team was determined to limit her shot attempts, and they succeeded. In the third quarter, Clark only managed to take one shot and faced numerous hard hits from screens. On top of that, she quickly accumulated two fouls, forcing her to take a seat on the bench with nearly five minutes left in the game. Despite these challenges, Clark still maintains a respectable 16 points.

Caitlin Clark’s impact goes beyond her one assist in the game. Indiana’s 13-3 advantage in fast break points can be attributed to Clark’s ability to push the ball in transition and make the right plays. Not only does she find her teammates with precision, but she also knows how to put the ball through the net herself.

Late in the second quarter, the Fever went on a 9-0 run, which helped them regain the lead. Furthermore, Indiana capitalized on seven turnovers by Dallas, converting them into 13 points.

The game didn’t unfold as expected. Clark pulled off one of her signature step-back 3s against Natasha Howard, a seasoned 6-foot-2 veteran who earned the title of 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. Clark showcased her skills by nailing a difficult shot, despite facing a highly skilled defender. Impressive!

In the first quarter’s conclusion, Dallas is ahead with a score of 26-23, and Clark has already netted 11 points, hitting three out of four shots from beyond the arc. Throughout the initial period, she displays a level of skill and composure that resembles that of a seasoned veteran rather than a rookie.

Dallas guard Jaelyn Brown, a 2020 graduate from Cal, has already made an impact by scoring eight points for the Wings. Arike Ogunbowale, known for her ability to make incredible shots, has also contributed with six quick points. The Wings finished the quarter strong, going on a 23-9 run.

With 6:23 remaining in the game, the Fever have surged ahead with a commanding 14-3 lead, courtesy of two impressive 3-pointers from Clark. Clark has been flawless from beyond the arc, sinking both attempts, and showcasing excellent passing skills during transition plays. Notably, a total of five Fever players have already contributed to the scoring.

Clark is opening up about her thoughts before her WNBA debut. Just moments before the Fever begin their preseason game against the Dallas Wings on Friday, the rookie expressed her excitement to play, despite the fast transition from the end of her college season.

Clark expressed her determination to approach the upcoming challenge with the same level of preparation and self-confidence that she had during her time at Iowa.

“I believe in immersing myself in the surroundings and savoring the experience, but above all, I remind myself to stay true to who I am,” she expressed. “As I approach this game, the key mantra is to embrace the moment without fear. I am prepared for this, having put in the hard work, and now it’s time to seize the opportunity.” — Cydney Henderson

Read More:  Tiger Woods, after finishing last at Masters, looks forward to three remaining majors

Sheryl Swoopes, the commentator for the Indiana-Dallas game tonight, perfectly summed it up as we prepare for tip-off: “Women’s basketball has always been thrilling, but the current movement is something we have always desired.”

Sheryl Swoopes, a basketball legend and one of the top 25 WNBA players of all time, is a credible source when it comes to discussing the sport. As the first-ever player signed to the WNBA and a three-time league MVP, her expertise is unquestionable.

The Indiana Fever

    • Nalyssa Smith
    • Caitlin Clark
    • Erica Wheeler
    • Lexie Hull
    • Aliyah Boston

The Dallas Wings

    • Veronica Burton
    • Arika Ogunbowale
    • Jaelyn Brown
    • Natasha Howard
    • Tierra McCowan

During her time at Northwestern, Burton showcased her exceptional defensive skills, establishing herself as one of the most formidable defenders in the Big Ten. With her extensive knowledge of Clark’s playing style, it is highly likely that she will be assigned the task of guarding the rookie.

How to stream Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings

To catch all the action, fans can tune in to the WNBA’s League Pass and download the WNBA app. Preseason games are free for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the game can be streamed on Fubo, although regional restrictions may apply.

Today is the highly anticipated day for fans as Caitlin Clark, one of the most talked-about picks in WNBA history, makes her professional debut. The Indiana Fever will be facing off against the Dallas Wings in the first preseason game of the 2024 season.

Clark jokingly remarked, “Instead of starting at home, they decided to throw me into the fire right away, why not?”

Clark will have a crucial opportunity to showcase her skills in the WNBA during this first preseason game. It will be her first taste of live action in the league, making it an important milestone in her career.

“I obviously have a lot of options during practice, but I also pay close attention to what other teams are doing,” Clark expressed. “When I step onto the court, my goal is to leave tonight knowing that I played like Caitlin Clark, giving it my all just like I have been doing my entire life.”

The upcoming match holds great importance for the Fever as they are currently exploring new lineups for both their first and second teams. In the first team, Indiana is considering fielding Clark, Erica Wheeler as the guard, Katie Lou Samuelson as the small forward, NaLyssa Smith as the forward, and Aliyah Boston as the center.

Kelsey Mitchell, the longest-serving player for the Fever, may not be able to play due to an ankle injury. However, once she recovers, she is expected to regain her place in the starting lineup. According to Sides, her return is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

You can find the complete story by clicking here.

Caitlin Clark fondly recalls those 10 seconds that transformed her life.

Perhaps that’s a bit of an overstatement. Clark, who was selected as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft and is set to begin her professional career with the Indiana Fever this Friday in her first preseason game against Dallas, likely would have become an extraordinary basketball player regardless. However, it’s worth noting that a significant moment in her journey occurred ten years ago when Maya Moore, the 2014 WNBA MVP, embraced her after a Minnesota Lynx game.

Clark would have likely rewritten the record books, secured a lucrative shoe deal worth millions, and attracted a vast number of new fans to the women’s game.

However, that brief 10-second moment left a lasting impact.

You can find Lindsay Schnell’s story here.

The Las Vegas team is currently the strongest in the league, aiming for a historic three-peat as reigning champions. However, they face tough competition from the New York Liberty and the Connecticut Sun, who are closely trailing them. On the other hand, the Seattle Storm, Dallas Wings, and Phoenix Mercury have made significant moves during the offseason to bridge the gap and strengthen their positions.

The rookie class is filled with excitement, spearheaded by Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, who plays as a guard for the Indiana Fever. Caitlin is determined to guide her team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Now, the question arises: how do the 12 teams stack up against each other?

Scooby Axson has released his WNBA preseason power rankings. Take a look at his insightful analysis here.

When Aliyah Boston wasn’t analyzing women’s college basketball games on Peacock, she spent her time hitting the gym.

There are a myriad of reasons why this is the case.

Throughout the regular season, Boston prioritized her strength training, both during the 22 in-studio shows and on-location at the Final Four in Cleveland.

Fever coach Christie Sides expressed her admiration for the impressive physique of the player during the first day of training camp. She commended the player’s dedication during the offseason, acknowledging the demanding nature of their other commitments. Sides also praised the player’s exceptional performance in those endeavors, emphasizing their commitment to putting in the necessary work.

She was reluctant to disclose her new deadlift max publicly, indicating that she had made significant progress.

Standing at 6-5, Boston was already one of the taller centers in the SEC during her time at South Carolina. However, upon entering the WNBA, she found herself facing off against players like Brittney Griner, Jonquel Jones, and Teaira McCowan. Not only were they taller than her, but they also possessed greater strength and had years of experience in the league.

As Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star reports, the Rookie of the Year recognized the importance of improving her strength in order to compete with the league’s tallest athletes.

We reached out to basketball legends to get their insights on the extraordinary talent. Steph Curry, Maya Moore, Kelsey Mitchell, and others analyzed her skills and elaborated on what sets her apart.

On Thursday, May 9, the Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, will be hosting the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The tip-off for the Fever’s last preseason game is set for 7 p.m. ET.

Read More:  Becky Hammon of the Aces responds to claims of WNBA players disliking Caitlin Clark, urging people to stop spreading false narratives

There is a buzz of excitement surrounding the women’s game like never before. The WNBA is gearing up for its most highly anticipated season yet, with a star-studded draft class, a team aiming for its third consecutive championship, and the upcoming summer Olympics that will further ignite interest in women’s basketball. This season promises to be the most thrilling since the league first debuted almost three decades ago.

This summer holds great anticipation. One exciting prospect is the expectation that Caitlin Clark will emerge as a leading force in the WNBA. Not only is she projected to lead the league in assists, but there is also a strong belief that she will secure a spot on the Olympic team.

Lindsay Schnell has shared her bold predictions for the WNBA. You can find them here.

College stars such as Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s top overall pick in the 2024 draft, who shattered numerous records during her time at Iowa, along with Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, rookie players for the Chicago Sky, who led LSU and South Carolina to NCAA championships, have captured the nation’s attention with their exceptional talent and charismatic personalities as they begin their professional journeys.

Entering the league, rookies are immediately exposed to the best professional basketball players in the world. These seasoned athletes are eager to showcase their skills to the new audience, including those who may be experiencing the excitement of the WNBA for the very first time. As a fan, there are certain regular-season games that you won’t want to miss. Make sure to mark them on your calendar and set aside time to watch them on TV or even attend in person.

Here are 10 must-watch regular-season games in the 2024 WNBA season. Click here for more details.

What time is Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings?

The Indiana vs. Dallas game is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET today.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings

Unfortunately, the game is not being broadcasted on television.

Basketball fans in Indianapolis can rejoice as they will now have to wait one less day to witness the highly anticipated home debut of rookie Caitlin Clark with the Fever.

The NBA has scheduled the Pacers to host the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series on Friday, May 10. As a result, the Fever’s originally scheduled exhibition finale for the same date in the same building had to be changed.

The Fever made an announcement on Friday, stating that their only home preseason game is being rescheduled to Thursday, May 9th at 7 p.m. This change is being made to accommodate the Pacers’ playoff schedule. By moving the game up by one day, the Fever will now have six days between their exhibition opener in Dallas and their game against the Dream. Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star reported this news.

Caitlin Clark and the Fever are set to kick off their regular season on May 14 with an away game against the Connecticut Sun. They will then return home on May 16 to face the New York Liberty in their home opener.

At times, we like to suggest intriguing products and services. If you decide to purchase something through the provided links, we may earn an affiliate fee. It’s important to note that USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently and this does not affect our coverage.

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Debut: A Thrilling Recap of Arike Ogunbowale and the Wings’ Victory over the Fever

The highly anticipated WNBA debut of Caitlin Clark was nothing short of thrilling. In a captivating showdown, the Wings managed to secure a narrow victory over the Fever, led by the formidable Arike Ogunbowale. Let’s dive into the highlights of this exhilarating match.

From the very beginning, it was clear that both teams were determined to leave their mark on the court. The intensity was palpable as the players showcased their skills and athleticism. Caitlin Clark, with her undeniable talent and prowess, wasted no time in making her presence known. She seamlessly adapted to the fast-paced WNBA environment, displaying her exceptional shooting skills and court vision.

However, it was Arike Ogunbowale who truly stole the show. Known for her scoring ability, Ogunbowale delivered yet another remarkable performance. Her tenacity and sheer determination were on full display as she led the Wings’ offensive charge. With each precise shot and strategic move, she propelled her team forward, inching them closer to victory.

The Fever, however, refused to back down. They showcased their resilience and fought tooth and nail to stay in the game. Led by their star players, they consistently challenged the Wings, creating a thrilling back-and-forth battle on the court. The intensity of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, as each possession held the potential to sway the outcome.

As the final minutes ticked away, the tension reached its peak. The game was tightly contested, with both teams refusing to surrender. It was a true testament to the skill and determination of these athletes, as they pushed themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory.

In the end, it was the Wings who emerged triumphant, securing a hard-fought win against the Fever. Arike Ogunbowale’s exceptional performance, combined with Caitlin Clark’s impressive debut, proved to be the winning formula for the team. This game will undoubtedly be remembered as a showcase of the immense talent and competitiveness that the WNBA has to offer.

As Caitlin Clark continues her journey in the WNBA, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing her further growth and impact on the court. Her debut showcased her potential as a game-changer, and it will be fascinating to see how she continues to evolve as a player.

Read More:

Leave a Comment