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Caitlin Clark made her highly anticipated home debut for the Indiana Fever on Thursday in front of a sold-out crowd at Gainbridge FieldHouse.
Before opening tip, though, she was heard throw some subtle shade at NBA players.
Clark was asked about the incredible impact she’s had on women’s basketball, and how she expects to handle her fame and exposure moving forward in the WNBA. The guard gave an insightful response while providing optimism for those excited to watch her in person in the future.
“People are sacrificing a lot to spend money to get here. To spend resources to get here. Or travel. or pay for their young daughter or their young son to come watch us and support us, or buy our jerseys, or buy whatever merchandise it is.
“I understand it because I was that young girl, and that’s what my parents did, too. They were working parents. They would take time off to help me do something that I wanted to do… I’m very aware of it. That’s why I never missed a single game in college. I knew people were coming to support and watch me, and for me, it was never an option to not play a game if I felt a little beat up or a little under the weather.
“People get so excited to come to these games and are spending their time and money.”
Caitlin Clark is self-aware. She acknowledged how many families are spending big $ and making sacrifices to attend games.
“I understand it because I was that young girl. … That’s why I didn’t miss a single game in college.” pic.twitter.com/DxKe69535a
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) May 16, 2024
It’s a topic that’s been highly debated over the last few seasons at the NBA level as players take scheduled rest days throughout the year.
For fans who purchased tickets in advance in hopes of seeing a LeBron James or Kevin Durant suit up only to later discover they won’t be in the starting lineup, it’s deflating.
The issue got so bad that the league had to enforce ‘Rest Day Rules’ that lead to team fines should a star player miss a high-profile or nationally televised contest.
Caitlin Clark fans won’t be blindsided by the absences.
A sold-out crowd was on hand to take in the scoring phenom’s first home game, and they got everything they wanted and more in that debut.
Well, outside of an Indiana win.
Caitlin Clark gets introduced to the #IndianaFever home crowd. It sounds like a playoff game in here. If it’s not sold out at Gainbridge, it’s close. pic.twitter.com/al1ofp7h2M
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 16, 2024
Those on-hand got a chance to witness Caitlin Clark’s first official bucket in Gainbridge FieldHouse, and while the guard didn’t have her best showing as she continues to adjust to the step up in competition, she’s provided excitement for the season as a whole.
Based on her pregame response, Fever fans shouldn’t have to worry about any unexpected scratches from the lineup as her career progresses.