of caitlin clarke The effect is authentic.
The former Iowa State star made his debut Thursday night in the Fever’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Dream in Indiana, as fans flocked to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to watch the game. WNBA Rookie Active.
No. 22 Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever laces up her sneakers before a game against the Atlanta Dream on May 9, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Last season, the average attendance per game was just 4,000, setting a franchise record for attendance.
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Official attendance on Thursday night more than tripled to 13,028.
“It was a lot of fun. I thought they were loud and I thought they were going crazy. It was fun to see some people in some places.” Iowa’s And a lot of people were wearing fever gear,” Clark said in the postgame press conference.
“This is a Thursday night preseason game and we have 13,000 people here. I think this is indicative of what it’s going to be like for us throughout the season and that helps us. You know, these are going to be home games.”So obviously the home opener is going to be against a really good team, so I’m really looking forward to it.
A young fan holds a sign in support of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, jersey number 22, during a WNBA preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 9, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“It’s pretty incredible. 13,000 people for a preseason game is unheard of.”
Fever rookie Kaitlin Clark stuns in front of packed crowd in WNBA debut: ‘I couldn’t ask for a better game’
Nalyssa Smith, who led the team with 21 points, agrees.
“The energy at Gainbridge means a lot to us. It motivates us and drives us to go the extra mile. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds with the fans and staff. It’s an exciting time for us.”
Clark earned his first WNBA win in the Fever’s 83-80 come-from-behind victory over Atlanta. She finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six turnovers on 4-of-12 field goals and 2-of-9 3-pointers in 31 minutes of play.
Caitlin Clark, No. 22, of the Indiana Fever signs autographs after a game against the Atlanta Dream on May 9, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
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For Clark, hitting 3s wasn’t the highlight of her game.
“To be honest, I don’t think I was that effective. More than anything, I think I was very good at passing the ball…I don’t know. I think I got it in the paint. Of course I would have liked to have gotten in it.” He makes a few threes, but sometimes that’s how he shoots. ”
The Fever’s season begins on Tuesday with an away game against the Connecticut Sun.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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