INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was the WNBA’s rookie of the yr and named to the all-league first staff in 2024. However the launch of her professional profession was — as anticipated — a problem, with many observers scrutinizing each transfer of the No. 1 choose, whose Fever started the season 1-8 however recovered to complete 20-20 and make the playoffs for the primary time since 2016.
These first few weeks have been onerous to get by, however Clark did it.
This season, as she and the Fever open at residence towards the Chicago Sky on Saturday (3 p.m. ET, ABC), Clark understandably feels rather more snug.
“Actually, I do not even actually keep in mind final yr’s [opener],” a smiling Clark mentioned concerning the Fever’s 92-71 loss at Connecticut, by which she had 20 factors and 10 turnovers. “Possibly that is factor. I believe [this year] it is simply going on the market and having enjoyable and being assured. I have been on this league for a yr now. I do know I belong. I do know I can carry out, and I could make my teammates higher each single evening. And that is my job.
“Not the whole lot’s gonna be excellent. Give your self grace. There’s gonna be actually good moments. There’s gonna be moments the place you wrestle. So simply attempting to remain as impartial as I can and keep constructive. However … I have been in these moments earlier than, and I am prepared for them.”
Clark led the WNBA in assists (8.4 per recreation) and 3-pointers (122) final season whereas averaging 19.2 factors and 5.7 rebounds. The Fever have been swept by the Solar within the first spherical, however simply getting again to the postseason was a significant step for the franchise.
There’s a lot for Clark, 2023 No. 1 choose Aliyah Boston and the Fever — beneath new coach Stephanie White, in her second stint in Indiana — to construct on for 2025.
Clark mentioned that upon reflection, her first yr within the WNBA was not not like being a freshman in highschool after which in faculty.
“You present up in a brand new chapter of your life. You are attempting to show to your self — to everyone — that you just belong, and also you’re looking for your method,” she mentioned. “If you come into your second season … you recognize what the coach expects of you, you recognize your teammates, you understand how issues function. You simply have a unique sense of confidence about you.”
The Fever went 3-1 towards the Sky final season. The geographic closeness of the franchises, and Chicago having its personal rookie standouts in Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, lit a hearth beneath the rivalry.
Saturday is the primary of 5 conferences between the Fever and Sky within the 44-game common season, as they face off as soon as every month from Might-September.
“Rivalries are actual, and that is what makes sports activities so wonderful,” Clark mentioned. “There’s sure groups that these video games simply imply somewhat bit extra. [We] come out right here and play the identical method each evening, however [a rivalry] will get the followers concerned, and so they like it.”
