Caitlin Clark’s second test as a WNBA player will be quite a battle.
The Fever rookie enjoyed a less-than-ideal first day at work on Tuesday, coughing up the ball a record 10 times as Indiana fell to the Sun, 92-71. She faltered amid incessant badgering by Connecticut standout DiJonai Carrington, who raced through and around screens to wreak havoc on the Fever’s backcourt.
There were flashes of brilliance from Clark, who whetted the nylon with four triples, three of which came on her patented stepback. However, it was an uneven showing, one that could have slightly tempered expectations for Clark’s rookie campaign.
If the Sun were a challenge, the Liberty — runners-up in last year’s WNBA Finals — could prove a menace. Courtney Vandersloot, Betjinah Laney, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart form about as formidable a unit as one could dream up in the W. And despite a closer-than-expected result against the Mystics, they figure to place right at the top of the league’s totem pole in 2024.
Clark has her work cut out for her. Given her pedigree, that might be a good thing for the Hawkeyes icon.
The Sporting News is tracking Clark’s live stats from her clash with the Liberty. Follow below for highlights, updates, and live results as two of the league’s most talked-about sides duel in Nap Town.
MORE: Watch 2024 WNBA games live on Sling
Fever vs. Liberty score
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
| Fever | 16 | 9 | |||
| Liberty | 25 | 4 |
Caitlin Clark stats
- Points: 2
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 3
- Steals: 0
- Blocks: 0
- TOs: 3
- FGs: 1-4
Caitlin Clark live updates, results, highlights from 2024 WNBA debut
7:42 p.m.: The Fever are finding their footing with their bench unit. Lexie Hull follows up Kristy Wallace’s reverse layup with a corner triple. Indiana has cut New York’s lead to just four.
End of first quarter: Liberty 25, Fever 16
7:33 p.m.: The offensive output is percolating in this one. Stewie dropped another basket — this one a step-back three-pointer — to extend the Liberty’s lead. She’s got 11 in the first quarter.
7:30 p.m.: Basketball poetry by Street, who spins beyond her marker before hanging up a left handed layup over Boston. The reigning Rookie of the Year just dropped a nice basket on Stewart. She made sure to return the favor.
7:29 p.m.: Strong start by Sabrina Ionescu in this one. The two-time All-Star is 3-of-6 with seven points early on.
7:28 p.m.: After a lengthy review, the refs decide to let bygones be bygones: neither Boston nor Jones receive a technical for their part in the brief spat. Boston’s off to the free throw line while Jones is headed to the bench.
7:25 p.m.: Boston and Jonquel Jones get into a shoving match with one another after Jones hooked Boston’s arm on the layup. The second-year center hasn’t had much space and time in the one at Jones’ behest. Referees are reviewing to see if it’s worthwhile to hand out any technicals.
7:18 p.m.: Brilliant two-man play by Clark and Boston, who combine with a give-and-go before Clark hits Katie Lou Samuelson for a wide-open triple. Really heady play by the last two No. 1 selections.
7:16 p.m.: Clark’s first shot of the game finds the target. She overcomes Laney-Hamilton’s strength before flicking a teardrop into the net.
HOME COURT 💪
The first bucket of Caitlin Clark’s career in Gainbridge Fieldhouse
📺 @SportsonPrime pic.twitter.com/Nny3iyG0Yn
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 16, 2024
7:14 p.m.: Stewart opens the game with a pair of jumpers from deep in the paint. New York looking as menacing as one would expect early.
Stewie always makes the fadeaway J look so poetic 🤌 pic.twitter.com/6nEtZh8hIT
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 16, 2024
7:13 p.m.: Liberty win the tip and away we go! Looks like it’s Betnijah Laney-Hamilton who will be given the primary task of handling Clark in the game’s opening moments.
7:10 p.m.: Quite the introduction for Clark, who is given the marquee fifth spot during player intros. Tip-off is mere moments away.
“From Iowa City to the Circle City…Caitlin Clark!”@CaitlinClark22’s first @WNBA start in @GainbridgeFH 🙌 pic.twitter.com/5oyWbqp5CV
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 16, 2024
Caitlin Clark introduced for the first time in Indianapolis: pic.twitter.com/FhFJAVw6x0
— Tony East (@TonyREast) May 16, 2024
6:50 p.m.: Glowing words about Clark from Liberty coach Sandy Brondello during today’s pre-game presser.
“This time has finally come for us.”
Liberty Head Coach Sandy Brondello spoke about Caitlin Clark’s impact during her pregame press conference. pic.twitter.com/c0x3bS8KVp
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 16, 2024
6:40 p.m.: Both sides’ starting fives have been revealed. No surprises from either team.
Tonight’s Starters 🖐️ Presented by @newyorklottery
2️⃣2️⃣ @Sloot22
2️⃣0️⃣ @sabrina_i20
4️⃣4️⃣ @BetnijahLaney
3️⃣0️⃣ @breannastewart
3️⃣5️⃣ @jus242Get out there and play!
Must be 18+. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY. #pleaseplayresponsibly pic.twitter.com/V8zqAVmWkl
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 16, 2024
first five at home 👏 pic.twitter.com/1p2DgMNAyZ
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 16, 2024
6:30 p.m.: Clark is ready for business. But she’s also buzzing to be able to showcase her skillset in front of a vociferous Indianapolis faithful.
“You can just feel the buzz and excitement around this team, not only for this game tonight, but just the entire season.”
Caitlin Clark talks about the excitement around Indy heading into tonight’s home opener. pic.twitter.com/jYqBw7YNg7
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 16, 2024
6:00 p.m.: If you thought only one side was dripped out, think again. Here the Liberty are, strutting down the tunnel as if it were a catwalk.
It’s not personal, it’s business 🤝💼 pic.twitter.com/uRYgqwstb8
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 16, 2024
5:35 p.m.: Here’s a look at the Fever’s floor design for their home opener. It’s nothing if not large and eye-catching. Whether that’s a good thing remains to be seen, though.
debuting our new court tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CA3kfwQsp2
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 16, 2024
5:30 p.m.: Speaking of entrances, it’s going to be hard to top that of fellow Fever guard Erica Wheeler. I can’t even discern what type of car that is.
coming in hot 🏎💨
Erica Wheeler pulled up to the home opener in style. pic.twitter.com/RCv23dBRKJ
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 16, 2024
5:20 p.m.: Clark is in the building for tonight’s contest. She strutted to the game in a black top and flared floral black-and-white pants. Looks like she might have some all-black dunks on as well.
Caitlin Clark has arrived for her first home game at @GainbridgeFH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uNk84J6Gmd
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 16, 2024
Fever vs. Liberty start time
- Date: Thursday, May 16
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
The Fever vs. Liberty matchup will tip off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 16. The game will take place at Gainbridge FieldHouse in Indianapolis.
How to watch Fever vs. Liberty
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: Amazon Prime
The Fever’s clash with the Liberty will not be broadcast on national television. It can still be streamed online, however, with the game slated to be aired on Amazon Prime Video.
Caitlin Clark WNBA schedule
Here’s a look at the upcoming Fever schedule and where to watch each game.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| May 16 | vs. Liberty | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
| May 18 | at Liberty | 1 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| May 20 | vs. Sun | 7 p.m. | ESPN, TSN 4, Sling |
| May 22 | at Storm | 10 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
| May 24 | at Sparks | 10 p.m. | ION, Sling |
