Much has been said throughout Caitlin Clark’s rookie season with the Indiana Fever.
On Sunday, a sellout crowd of 17,061 witnessed the experience inside Footprint Center.
The Fever won 88-82. As Clark left the floor, half the fans were left and they met her with a loud standing ovation.
But, as someone who sat in the stands, there was lots to see.
The energy from all fans (Mercury, Fever, Clark fans) was high from start to finish. There was no animosity towards Clark or vice versa.
Before the game, the concourse felt like a Suns playoff game. When Clark finished shootaround, large crowds of fans emerged to anger autographs from her.
Typically the Mercury set up a courtyard near the court by one of the tunnels. Because of the ticket demand for this game, the courtyard area was swapped out for seats.
It took Clark nearly seven minutes to score her first basket (a three pointer of course). The building exploded as the net whooshed. Clark finished with 15 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds.
Clark also had two early fouls that were met with more boos than cheers. That doesn’t happen at Mercury home games. Ever.
Diana Taurasi and Clark had a few interactions that seemed pretty positive from the stands.
Say what you want, but this is great for the Mercury and the WNBA as a whole. As more superstars continue to enter the league, more games will have atmospheres like this.
Yes players like Taurasi and Brittney Griner are superstars and some of the greatest of all-time, but the game is just now receiving the attention it deserves so new stars will bring new atmospheres.
The Caitlin Clark experience lives up to the hype.
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