Fever’s Caitlin Clark steady ahead of WNBA debut: ‘I don’t really get nervous’
Clark to debut before sellout crowd in Connecticut on Tuesday night
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The wait is finally over.
Caitlin Clark makes her heavily anticipated WNBA debut on Tuesday night when the Indiana Fever takes on the Connecticut Sun in her first regular-season game. But even with all eyes on her, the former Iowa star is as steady as ever.
"I just feel really excited, more than anything. I don't really get nervous. I don't get anxious," Clark told reporters during her pregame media availability on Tuesday.
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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever warms up prior to the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on May 14, 2024. (Elsa/Getty Images)
"I just get a giddy, excited feeling, like I just can't wait for the moment to be here and just go out there and play the game and have a lot of fun."
Clark’s reputation as one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in college first catapulted her into the spotlight. After becoming the NCAA Division 1 all-time leading scorer while leading the Hawkeyes to the national championship game last season, Clark was selected by the Fever with the No. 1 overall draft pick.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Women’s basketball and the WNBA have largely benefited from Clark’s popularity.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever handles the ball during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream, May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
FEVER'S CAITLIN CLARK DRAWS IN RECORD CROWD FOR INDIANA DEBUT: 'PRETTY UNHEARD OF'
Clark, 22, will make her WNBA debut at Mohegan Sun Arena before a sellout crowd – the second since starting her pro career. In her preseason debut against the Dallas Wings this month, Clark dropped a team-high 21 points before a sold-out arena.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Taking the court for the first time at Gainbridge Fieldhouse last week, Clark drew a record crowd of 13,028 – a franchise record more than triple last season’s 4,000.
Fans show support for Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever prior to the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on May 14, 2024. (Elsa/Getty Images)
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"Obviously, our goal is to go out there and win and dominate in all areas. But I think our group knows if we go out there and play the way we should for 40 minutes, we're going to get the result we want," Clark said before tip-off.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The WNBA season kicks off Tuesday with four games, beginning with New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics. The Phoenix Mercury play the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, and the Seattle Storm host the Minnesota Lynx.
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