The attention being accorded to this year’s top pick may irritate Caitlin Clark’s WNBA colleagues, but there is no denying her impact on interest in the league. The most recent instance was when Clark’s Fever squad went to see the Atlanta Dream on Friday. The Dream typically performs at the 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, which is frequently filled.
However, the game had to be shifted to Atlanta’s Phillips Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, due to overwhelming demand for tickets. 17,575 people are reported to have attended the game, smashing the previous record set by the Dream on their 2008 debut. An estimated 11,609 spectators watched that game.
The Fever, a struggling team, triumphed in their fourth straight game on the floor, something they haven’t done since 2015. With 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 16 points on 6-12 shooting, Clark had a great game. Despite her early WNBA career, she has struggled with turnovers, committing seven in this game. The Fever nevertheless won handily, 91-79.
The increased attention didn’t bother Clark, whose appearance at Iowa games often drew sizable audiences both at home and away. “These type of environments for me, it’s not that different,” Clark explained. However, I am something that I become in these circumstances… You’re used to playing in, even if I hate to use the word “used to.” Additionally, it’s enjoyable.”
There is also a lot of demand for tickets to the Fever’s next game on Sunday against the Chicago Sky, who have faced the team twice already this season in two contentious contests. Before the ball was even thrown in bounds on the play, Chennedy Carter of Sky smacked Clark with a strong foul that sparked controversy. Carter hit Clark from behind and sent her to the ground. As she attempted to block a jumper, fellow rookie Angel Reese struck Clark’s head with her elbow in the second quarter, earning a flagrant one foul call.
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