Caitlin Clark struggle in her WNBA debut as Connecticut Sun beats Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark battled early in her WNBA debut before scoring 20 points as the Indiana Fever lost to the Connecticut Sun 92-71 on Tuesday night. Alyssa Thomas led the Sun with 13 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds, marking her 12th career triple-double. DeWanna Bonner contributed 20 points, while DiJonai Carrington had 16. She was also a big contributor to Clark's early offensive troubles by hounding the guard.

The NCAA's all-time Division I scoring leader ended the game 5 for 15 from the field, committed 10 turnovers, and went scoreless in the first quarter. She missed her first four shots before ultimately scoring midway through the second period.

Caitlin Clark swiped the ball near the foul line and drove the entire length of the floor before laying it in. She later added two free throws and a 3-pointer with 29.9 seconds remaining in the first half, finishing with seven points on two of her seven shot attempts. The Fever trailed 49-39 at the half. 

Clark's two free throws brought the Fever within 63-57 late in the third quarter, but they couldn't get much closer the remainder of the game. Clark did begin to heat up from the field, hitting four three-pointers, including one from long range.

Looking forward to making her WNBA debut - Caitlin Clark

Clark subsequently added two free throws and a 3-pointer with 29.9 seconds remaining in the first half to conclude the first 20 minutes with seven points, making two of seven shots. She took some of that energy into the third quarter, scoring five points to help rally the Fever, but it wasn't enough.



Clark revealed before the game that she was looking forward to making her WNBA debut. It was one of four games on the WNBA's opening night to kick off the 28th season. New York, who finished second in the WNBA Finals, rallied to defeat Washington 85-80 to begin the evening.