Caitlin Clark has emerged as one of the primary factors why audiences are tuning in to women’s basketball. From Iowa all the way to the Indiana Fever, she has been attracting crowds so that people can witness her brilliance firsthand. Thus, it was not surprising at all that her fans overflowed the WNBA All-Star game. Many of them were eager to witness her performance against the 2024 Team USA Olympics squad featuring Diana Taurasi, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart. Nevertheless, a few of them encountered a special and unique surprise.
During the WNBA All-Star weekend, Caitlin Clark was assigned to playfully sabotage the photos of her fans. The newcomer from the Fever team happily complied. Little did she realize that she would be fulfilling some aspirations before shining on the court against Team USA, sponsored by State Farm.
The surprises from the Fever standout did not cease there. She distributed numerous assists and expertly played as the team leader during the WNBA All-Star game. Despite Clark experiencing difficulties with her shooting, managing to convert only two out of nine field goal attempts and missing all seven three-pointers, her facilitation markedly elevated her performance. The game concluded with a 117-109 victory over Team USA. Clark concluded the game with 10 assists and two points.
Her defensive contributions, supporting Arike Ogunwobale and Nneka Ogwumike, were also exceptional. Clark intercepted two passes from the congested lane, capitalizing on them for two steals. These defensive plays were crucial in disrupting the momentum of Team USA significantly. Additionally, she added a turnover and a rebound to round off her inaugural WNBA All-Star game.
Several new records set during the Fever star’s WNBA All-Star weekend alongside her teammates
Wherever she goes, Caitlin Clark seems to be pursued by history. The Fever rookie fell just one assist short of surpassing Sue Bird’s WNBA All-Star record of 11. Nevertheless, she did establish a new record for the most assists by a rookie in the All-Star game, which serves as a commendable achievement.
Arike Ogunbowale also showcased her prowess as an elite scorer in the WNBA. She dissected every defensive scheme and exploited the tendencies of Team USA players, effortlessly scoring baskets. At the conclusion of the game, the Dallas Wings superstar accumulated an impressive 34 points, setting a new record for the highest points scored in the WNBA All-Star game. Particularly noteworthy was her scintillating second-half performance, where she drained eight of 13 three-point attempts, accounting for all her points.
Undeniably, Angel Reese, Ogunbowale, and Clark could have easily represented Team USA in the Paris Olympics. They undoubtedly possess the potential to do so. This resounding victory serves as compelling evidence of their readiness to wear the revered Stars and Stripes. Are they poised to lead the charge in the forthcoming Olympics campaign?
Image Source: Caitlin Clark @ Instagram
