Caitlin Clark smashes WNBA record in emphatic response after Angel Reese’s mom aimed jibe at her fanbase
Caitlin Clark delivered what everyone wanted. The 23-year-old put up another put on another classic show in the Indiana Fever’s 108-44 victory over the Brazilian National Team in a homecoming exhibition at Iowa’s Carver Hawkeye Arena. Clark was on fire in her return to the WNBAGetty It was vintage Clark in a resounding performance full of highlights, not least her 36-foot 3-pointer from the logo — a shot that’s become her trademark. It was almost the exact spot where she broke the NCAA scoring record. “I don’t know if I shoot 36-footers every day, but 30-plus for sure,” former Iowa star Clark said when asked if she practices these shots. “It was just kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing. You don’t always realize where you are.” The biggest takeaway from the game was the packed out energetic crowd she lured to a pre-season game. With a seat in the 15,500-capacity arena proving elusive and expensive, the contest smashed a WNBA record for tickets. Ahead of the game ESPN revealed that the average ticket price for Sunday’s contest was a whipping $670 — the highest mark since tracking began in 2015. The game is in stark contrast to the homecoming Angel Reese received at LSU. The Chicago Sky forward — a star in her own right — returned to Baton Rouge on Friday night with her side also facing Brazil, but the arena was barely full. In fact, the total attendance for the preseason contest was 6,373, less than half of the PMAC’s max capacity of 13,215. Criticism came in thick and heavy, with many taking at aim at Reese for not being able to sell out an arena. Even Caitlin Clark’s opponents wanted autographsGetty Clark reminded everyone why she is a starGetty It led to Reese’s mom — also called Angel — firing back on her own account, referring to ‘that certain fanbase’ in a thinly-veiled dig at Clark’s supporters. “Aww that certain fan base looking in the stands celebrating ‘attendance’ while others are looking up in the rafters celebrating championship banners. We ain’t the same. Different year same haters. Have a great day,” she posted. Despite the crowds, both Clark and Reese would be satisfied with their respective performances they put up as they ramp up preparations for the start of the WNBA season. Reese managed 15 points, 10 rebounds and two steals in just 16 minutes on the floor in her game on Friday. While Clark on Sunday recorded 16 points, five assists and six rebounds, in what was her first game back for over six months. “I haven’t played [a game] in, like 200 days, so I was a little nervous going in,” Clark said. “The competitive spirit in me — you just want to play really good for these fans.” Fellow Fever stars also impressed to highlight much improved depth on the roster. Kelsey Mitchell had 17 points Sunday, while Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard had 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Fever will play the Atlanta Dream in a final exhibition on Saturday before opening the season against the Sky in Indiana on May 17.
Caitlin Clark delivered what everyone wanted.
The 23-year-old put up another put on another classic show in the Indiana Fever’s 108-44 victory over the Brazilian National Team in a homecoming exhibition at Iowa’s Carver Hawkeye Arena.
It was vintage Clark in a resounding performance full of highlights, not least her 36-foot 3-pointer from the logo — a shot that’s become her trademark. It was almost the exact spot where she broke the NCAA scoring record.
“I don’t know if I shoot 36-footers every day, but 30-plus for sure,” former Iowa star Clark said when asked if she practices these shots.
“It was just kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing. You don’t always realize where you are.”
The biggest takeaway from the game was the packed out energetic crowd she lured to a pre-season game.
With a seat in the 15,500-capacity arena proving elusive and expensive, the contest smashed a WNBA record for tickets.
Ahead of the game ESPN revealed that the average ticket price for Sunday’s contest was a whipping $670 — the highest mark since tracking began in 2015.
The game is in stark contrast to the homecoming Angel Reese received at LSU.
The Chicago Sky forward — a star in her own right — returned to Baton Rouge on Friday night with her side also facing Brazil, but the arena was barely full.
In fact, the total attendance for the preseason contest was 6,373, less than half of the PMAC’s max capacity of 13,215.
Criticism came in thick and heavy, with many taking at aim at Reese for not being able to sell out an arena.
It led to Reese’s mom — also called Angel — firing back on her own account, referring to ‘that certain fanbase’ in a thinly-veiled dig at Clark’s supporters.
“Aww that certain fan base looking in the stands celebrating ‘attendance’ while others are looking up in the rafters celebrating championship banners. We ain’t the same. Different year same haters. Have a great day,” she posted.
Despite the crowds, both Clark and Reese would be satisfied with their respective performances they put up as they ramp up preparations for the start of the WNBA season.
Reese managed 15 points, 10 rebounds and two steals in just 16 minutes on the floor in her game on Friday.
While Clark on Sunday recorded 16 points, five assists and six rebounds, in what was her first game back for over six months.
“I haven’t played [a game] in, like 200 days, so I was a little nervous going in,” Clark said. “The competitive spirit in me — you just want to play really good for these fans.”
Fellow Fever stars also impressed to highlight much improved depth on the roster.
Kelsey Mitchell had 17 points Sunday, while Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Fever will play the Atlanta Dream in a final exhibition on Saturday before opening the season against the Sky in Indiana on May 17.
