SAN FRANCISCO – Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever frittered away a promising start, ultimately falling 88–77 to the Golden State Valkyries in a showdown that highlighted the WNBA rookie’s growing fanfare—and her growing pains.
Clark, fresh off a 32-point comeback win, struggled tonight: finishing with just 11 points, missing all seven of her 3-point attempts, and committing six turnovers. The normally sharp shooter was kept under tight pressure by Valkyries defenders, whose focus on disrupting her rhythm paid off.
Despite Indiana leading earlier stretches by double digits, Golden State’s bench stormed back with 45 points. A late-game 33–18 blitz overwhelmed the Fever, with Tiffany Hayes, Kayla Thornton, Chloe Bibby, and Veronica Burton all delivering key plays when it mattered most.
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase praised the team’s discipline and depth, noting that the squad’s defensive intensity and crowd energy at Chase Center helped swing the game.
For Clark, the matchup underscored that league-wide attention brings tougher contests—and tonight, the intensity soared. With the Fever now at .500 (6–6), the journey ahead promises more moments like this as she adjusts to elite-level competition.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
