On Sunday afternoon, Caitlin Clark returned to WNBA competition for the first time since the conclusion of her electrifying rookie season last summer. Clark and the Indiana Fever had a preseason game against the Brazil National Team in front of a sold-out crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The Fever punished the Brazil National Team, winning the contest with a dominant score of 108-44. During the game, Brazil head coach Leo Figueiro shared a touching moment with Clark in the second quarter.
“You’re an amazing player, congratulations,” Figueiro said to Clark, who went up to him to see how he was during a dead ball. “You’ve changed the history in basketball.”
“I appreciate it, thanks for coming here. Most people you’ve played in front of?” Clark asked.
“Yeah,” answered Figueiro.
After the game, Clark discussed the feeling of playing again in the stadium she played in during her collegiate career.
“I certainly give the fans something to cheer about. That’s my goal,” Clark said, according to HawkCentral. “Get them involved. Get them loud. Because, I told my teammates, it’s going to be the loudest arena you’ve ever played in. So, I’ve got to make a few shots and be able to get them on their feet.”
Clark ended the game with 14 points in just over 18 minutes of game time, and the Fever are already looking like a well-oiled machine.