Fever rookie Caitlin Clark got off to the best start of her early WNBA career during Saturday's road game against the Liberty.
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 draft looked right at home in her first game at any level in New York City, scoring more points in the first quarter (10) than she did all of Thursday's home opener (nine), also against New York.
She made two 3-point shots, one following a make by Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, and got to the basket for a couple of layups as she finished the opening frame 4-of-5 from the court.
The rook is goin’ to work EARLY
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 18, 2024
Caitlin Clark racks up 2 PTS & 3 AST in the first 2 minutes vs. the Liberty!
ABC | WNBA Tip-Off presented by @carmax pic.twitter.com/850R8FDWW7
CAITLIN CLARK CONNECTS
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 18, 2024
She’s up to 5 PTS & 3 AST in the 1Q on ABC pic.twitter.com/eyAiFCFmtO
Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark trading buckets
— ESPN (@espn) May 18, 2024
ABC pic.twitter.com/Qn4CoVbhtS
Clark added three assists in the first quarter and discussed her improved play with ESPN's Holly Rowe before afterward.
"I think we're playing a lot faster in transition," said Clark, who excelled in college with Iowa's up-tempo offense.
The NCAA's all-time leading scorer had an inauspicious start to her WNBA career, setting a record for most turnovers (10) by a player making their league debut on Tuesday against the Sun. Clark was held to single-digit points in her second game, the first time she failed to reach 10 points since Jan. 9, 2021, with the Hawkeyes.
The third time is apparently the charm for Clark, but not her new team. The Fever trail the Liberty, 44-24, midway through the second quarter.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!