Two games into her WNBA journey, Indiana Fever's standout rookie, Caitlin Clark, is still searching for her first victory. Thursday night presented an opportunity for Clark to secure her inaugural win in the league, but the New York Liberty proved formidable, overpowering the Fever to secure a decisive 102-66 victory.
Despite the Fever's winless start to the 2024 WNBA season, anticipation surrounding Clark remains palpable. Selected as the first overall pick by Indiana in this year's draft, she continues to generate significant excitement and attention.
In a notable moment, a fan recorded Clark going to the bench during a timeout while arguing with an official. She was visibly frustrated with the officiating as she walked away from the ref after a verbal back-and-forth.
Here's the video of the incident:
In the video, the Fever's coaching staff had to intervene to separate Caitlin before things could escalate between the rookie and the ref.
Caitlin Clark couldn't find her rhythm vs New York Liberty
Caitlin Clark faced continued challenges with her shooting accuracy in the Liberty game on Thursday.
Following a 5-for-15 performance from the field and a 4-for-11 showing from beyond the arc in the Fever's season-opening loss to the Connecticut Sun, the former Iowa Hawkeyes standout struggled once again.
Against New York, Caitlin Clark managed only a 2-for-8 performance from the floor and a 1-for-7 effort from behind the arc.
Clark and the Fever are set to resume their quest for their inaugural win of the season on Saturday, facing the same Liberty once again, this time in New York.
Caitlin Clark accumulated three fouls in the opening half and picked up a fourth early into the third quarter. During a benching early in the second quarter, she visibly expressed her frustrations by venting on a towel. At one instance following a Fever miscue, Clark reacted by tossing the ball over her head towards the referee.
She opted not to engage with reporters after the game, despite participating in two extensive interview sessions earlier in the day.
In New York's lineup, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones contributed 14 points, underscoring their team's dominance over Indiana with their eighth consecutive victory. Additionally, Jones secured 10 rebounds.
Reigning MVP Breanna Stewart played a pivotal role in New York's commanding performance, guiding them to a 25-16 lead after the first quarter. When the Fever narrowed the deficit to 32-27 halfway through the second period, Stewart responded decisively with four consecutive points.
That sparked a 12-0 run by the Liberty, extending their lead to 44-27 late in the first half.