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    Caitlin Clark Trolled by WNBA Fans as Stewart, Liberty Ruin Fever Star's Home Debut

    Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVMay 17, 2024

    INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 16: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball while being guarded by Betnijah Laney-Hamilton #44 of the New York Liberty in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
    Dylan Buell/Getty Images

    There will be better days for Caitlin Clark in the WNBA.

    Her Indiana Fever lost their home opener 102-66 to the New York Liberty on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

    They are now 0-2 on the season after a difficult start against two potential title contenders in the Liberty and Connecticut Sun.

    Clark dealt with foul trouble and finished with nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and three turnovers while shooting 2-of-8 from the field and 1-of-7 from deep. She was no match for Breanna Stewart, who stuffed the stat sheet with 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks.

    Social media reacted to the performance:

    boat enthusiast @ZedBlack

    Caitlin Clark <a href="https://t.co/tqzkStntjq">pic.twitter.com/tqzkStntjq</a>

    StrawberryKoff @theKeenanKoff

    People thought Caitlin Clark was just going to roll into the league and not need to make any adjustments. She will be great. But it's not going to happen overnight. <br><br>If you really thought she'd average 24+ this season, you simply don't know the game.

    Caitlin Clark Trolled by WNBA Fans as Stewart, Liberty Ruin Fever Star's Home Debut
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    Dominique Clare @DomClare

    Caitlin Clark is going to be fine but I don't know why yall got so mad at those veterans saying there will be an adjustment period. <br><br>If you are watching the games so far you know exactly what they were eluding to. <br><br>They were spot on. It was never a diss.

    ZERCHER CARRIES ARE YOUR FRIEND @BlackSaiyan455

    It hasnt been a smooth start so far for Caitlin Clark but its just 2 games.

    Irish Mike @IrishMike_076

    Caitlin Clark is learning a lesson the past two games. These ladies are on a different level. 9 points. 72-56.. Liberty slapping the Fever..

    zHeatt @v_Randomm

    Caitlin Clark youre not in iowa anymore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wnba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wnba</a> <a href="https://t.co/8MvGW9XL42">pic.twitter.com/8MvGW9XL42</a>

    Jeff B. Sure! @JFMBIID

    if u tuned in for caitlin clark at least u got to see breanna stewart absolutely dominate

    Rizzo @SmeshMMAA

    Not a good home debut for Caitlin Clark.

    Russell Steinberg @Russ_Steinberg

    Caitlin Clark's final stat line: 9 points, 6 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 turnovers, 5 fouls.<br><br>Flashes of really good stuff, but her competition is elite.

    All eyes were on Clark for this one for multiple reasons.

    After all, it was the first chance for Indiana fans to see her take the court at home in the regular season after the franchise made her the No. 1 selection of the 2024 WNBA draft. But it was also an opportunity for her to bounce back after an up-and-down first game of her career that saw the Fever lose to the Sun by 21 points.

    Clark had 20 points in that one but also turned it over 10 times while shooting just 5-of-15 from the field. But bouncing back against a loaded Liberty squad that features Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, among others, was anything but an easy task.

    And that was on full display right from the start, as New York jumped out to a 17-point halftime lead with Stewart leading the way. Indiana had no answer for the two-time MVP whether she was shooting from the outside, attacking off the bounce or scoring on the blocks.

    WNBA @WNBA

    ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?! <br><br>Stewie hangs in the air for the finish AND count the bucket <br><br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsonPrime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsonPrime</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rw5U3E5taY">pic.twitter.com/Rw5U3E5taY</a>

    New York's defense also swarmed Clark wherever she went, and she had to spend time on the bench in the second half as she found herself in foul trouble.

    There were at least some positive moments, as No. 22 drilled a stepback three, facilitated when additional attention came her way and battled for boards from the backcourt. Indiana even went on a run during the third quarter with the rookie spearheading part of it.

    WNBA @WNBA

    YEAH THIS IS TUFF 🫡<br><br>Caitlin Clark creates separation off the dribble to hit the stepback triple <br><br>WNBA Tip-Off presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/CarMax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carmax</a> <a href="https://t.co/aTGrrN4bj2">pic.twitter.com/aTGrrN4bj2</a>

    Unfortunately for the home team, the Liberty weren't messing around at winning time and opened the fourth quarter on a 12-0 run to put the game away. They simply had too much star power for a rebuilding Fever team and spoiled the party of Clark's home opener.

    Indiana doesn't get much of a break, either, and faces the Liberty again on Saturday, only this time in New York.