The 2024 WNBA season has officially kicked off, marking the beginning of Caitlin Clark’s professional career. The defending champion Las Vegas Aces, Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, and Minnesota Lynx all secured victories on Tuesday.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever started their season on the road with a 92-71 loss to the Connecticut Sun. Alyssa Thomas, a consistent MVP contender for the Sun, recorded a triple-double, contributing 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Clark, who was the top pick in April’s WNBA draft and holds the record for the most points in NCAA Division I history, scored 20 points, dished out 3 assists, and made 2 steals in her WNBA debut. However, she faced challenges throughout the game, committing 10 turnovers and shooting 5-for-15 from the field and 4-for-11 from beyond the arc. By halftime, she had tallied five turnovers and seven points.
Her 20 points in a debut are the second-highest in franchise history, just behind Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, who scored 23 points in her debut in 2002. The record for the most points in a WNBA debut is held by Candace Parker, who scored 34 points in 2008. Among recent No. 1 picks, Clark’s debut points total is second only to Breanna Stewart’s 23 points in 2016.
The Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, and Minnesota Lynx also started their seasons strong with victories. The absence of Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner and Las Vegas Aces’ Chelsea Gray, both out due to injuries, significantly impacted their teams. Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm showcased new additions Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith in their debut games for the team.
After a slow start, Caitlin Clark found her rhythm late in the WNBA game but faced several challenges overall. Where did she struggle the most, and what were the bright spots in her pro debut?
Voepel: The fact that Clark scored a team-high 20 points in her professional debut, yet many will view her performance as a “struggle,” highlights the immense expectations placed on her. The primary issue was her turnovers, which are typical for a rookie point guard adjusting to the faster, more experienced defenses in the WNBA.
The turnovers will likely be the most frustrating aspect of her first game for Clark, as they disrupted potential scoring opportunities for the Indiana Fever. Connecticut guard DiJonai Carrington played tough defense, forcing eight of Clark’s ten turnovers and limiting her to just 2-of-10 shooting when matched up against her.
Despite these challenges, Clark’s confidence and aggression remained intact, which is crucial. Playing a team-high 31 minutes, she understood that there would be a learning curve, especially given how quickly the game moves and the significant role she plays in handling the ball. Over time, Clark will learn to better adjust her passing and decision-making.
Who stood out for the Connecticut Sun in WNBA Opener?
Voepel: Although both the Sun (48.5%) and the Fever (48.0%) had similar shooting percentages, Connecticut managed to take 16 more shots and had 10 fewer turnovers. As expected, DeWanna Bonner (20 points, six rebounds) and Alyssa Thomas delivered strong performances. However, the standout moments also came from the backcourt, with Tyasha Harris and DiJonai Carrington combining for 32 points. Additionally, reserve guard Rachel Banham contributed 10 points. Carrington’s impressive defense added to her solid offensive performance, making her a key player on opening night.
Another highlight was the return of Brionna Jones, who had been sidelined since last June with a right Achilles injury. She contributed eight points and three rebounds, and the Sun are excited to have her back on the court.
It’s just one game, but what can we realistically expect from the Fever moving forward in WNBA?
Voepel: Indiana showed promise in the second and third quarters, managing to keep pace with Connecticut. However, the Sun pulled away in the fourth quarter, and this will be a key focus for Fever coach Christie Sides moving forward.
There were definite positives in how the Fever executed their offense during certain stretches. However, with 25 turnovers, there were also clear areas where they struggled.
Realistically, the Fever demonstrated that they can compete at a high level against a veteran team like Connecticut, which is expected to be among the top four in the league. This suggests that Indiana has the potential to hold their own against less formidable opponents.