The crowd came to watch Caitlin Clark on Monday night as the Atlanta Dream played host to the Indiana Fever at the State Farm Arena. At certain points in the game, the 17,608-strong crowd — a Georgia record for a WNBA game in the state — made it feel like it was a home game for Clark and the Fever.
The fans did not leave disappointed, either. Though the Dream lost, 84-79, those who came to see Clark put on a show received their money’s worth. The rookie sensation turned in another noteworthy performance with 19 points (four 3s), seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block.
In her postgame press conference, Clark was asked to share her thoughts on the role she’s had on the meteoric growth of women’s basketball. She could not help getting a little sentimental with her response.
I don’t show up and expect these crowds. Sure, maybe you’ve gotten a little bit used to it, but for me, that’s not anything that ever gets old. It really is something that’s really cool. Especially as a young girl who grew up going to games.
“As a young girl, I would have came to a game in a building like this and seen this type of crowd, I think I would have been kind of in heaven.”
As she takes the league by storm and sets all sorts of records in virtually every single game, what is also clear is the Fever star is enjoying the ride. Clark acknowledged that the overwhelming support from the fans is something she treasures immensely. It gives me a lot of joy to just see the impact that I’ve been able to have,” she said. “I hope it continues to grow because I feel like this league is really just scratching the surface. There’s so much that can continue to improve and continue to get better. And I hope I’m a part of that going forward.”
“I feel like I’m only 22 years old, but I act like I’m 10,” she admitted. “So, I don’t know. I feel like I’m just a kid that plays basketball and has a lot of fun. And for me, like, coming into these arenas and these environments, I look around and it’s incredible. It really is
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