Caitlin Clark's pro career is unofficially underway.
The Indiana Fever's No. 1 overall pick made her WNBA preseason debut against the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Texas, on Friday night.
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In front of a sold-out crowd at the College Park Center, Clark had a strong first showing with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and five turnovers in 28 minutes of action as the Fever fell to the Wings 79-76 in an exhibition thriller.
It didn't take long for Clark to make her presence felt. On Indiana's second offensive possession, the NCAA's all-time scoring leader knocked down a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer from well beyond the arc.
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That was one of four first-half 3-pointers for Clark, whose handles and tough-shot-making ability were on full display.
Clark's first 2-point shot attempt didn't come until late in the second quarter when she swished a mid-range jumper, closing out a 16-point first half.
Clark, who's third on the NCAA's all-time assist leaderboard, also flashed her passing skills, though she only finished with two assists. Both dimes were slick feeds to fellow top pick and the 2023 Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston.
Clark had a quieter second half compared to the first. Her first points of the second half didn't come until around the midway point of the fourth when she made a deep 3-pointer.
With the game tied inside the final 30 seconds, Clark went up for a potential game-winning layup but the attempt was rejected by Wings two-time All-Star Natasha Howard.
Wings three-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale then made a highlight-reel play of her own on the other end, using a crossover to shake a defender before knocking down a game-winning step-back triple in the final seconds.
Clark had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but her off-balance shot from the corner hit the side of the backboard.
Clark wasn't the game's only standout rookie, either. Wings guard Jaelyn Brown knocked down three triples en route to 21 points, tying Clark for the game-high.
Fever guard NaLyssa Smith tallied 20 points, while Ogunbowale had 19.
Wings No. 5 overall pick Jacy Sheldon, meanwhile, tallied six points and two assists in 13 minutes of action.
How many points did Caitlin Clark score last night?
Clark got to her 21 points against Dallas by shooting 6-for-15 from the floor, 5-for-13 from 3 and 4-for-5 from the free throw line.
When does Caitlin Clark play next?
Clark will make her unofficial home debut with the Fever when they take on the Atlanta Dream in their preseason finale on Thursday, May 9.
When does the 2024 WNBA season start?
The WNBA regular season kicks off Tuesday, May 14, when Clark and Co. will visit the Connecticut Sun.
