Connecticut Sun And Turnovers Spoil Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Debut

The lead-up to Caitlin Clark’s WNBA debut was hot. Clark’s debut, on the other hand, was cold.

Following a legendary run for the Iowa Hawkeyes, expectations were sky-high for the new Indiana Fever star.

Clark faced the Connecticut Sun before a sold-out, 10,000-person crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena. She finished the games (a 92-71 loss) with 20 points (5-of-15).

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 14: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives against DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun during the fourth quarter in the game at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 14, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

During the third quarter, Clark’s turnover near the halfcourt line made her dad, Brent, shake his head with dismay.

Tuesday’s game was a stark contrast to Clark’s first game in the WNBA preseason, in which she scored 21 points, 16 of which came in the first half.

READ: Caitlin Clark Crushes In WNBA Indiana Fever Debut, Drops 16 Points In First Half

Connecticut’s fast-break offense broke the Fever. Indiana matched or beat Connecticut on the boards and three-point shooting; ultimately, the Sun starters had more offensive juice than Clark and the rest of the Fever’s cast.

Sun starter Dewanna Bonner passed former Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever player Candice Dupree on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list with her 6,897th point against the Fever on Tuesday. Bonner finished with 20 points in the game. Four of Connecticut’s starters finished in double digits.

Clark’s first game in the pros was highlighted by her high number of turnovers against the Sun. She turned the ball over nine times, a WNBA record for a player’s debut.

Clark unquestionably suffered the dreaded ‘learning curve’ expected ahead of her debut.

Don’t expect Caitlin to have ‘sea legs’ for long. For now, the Sun team spoiled Clark’s big day.

Clark and the Fever take on the New York Liberty on Saturday.

UNCASVILLE, CT – MAY 14: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the game against the Connecticut Sun on May 14, 2024 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

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