ESPN: Indiana Fever Star Caitlin Clark Set Another World Record in WNBA

June 26: The Storm broke the franchise attendance record when Caitlin Clark made her debut in the city, largely because of the immense fan base that the Indiana Fever rookie star attracted. Coach Noelle Quinn addressed the 18,343-person capacity audience at Climate Pledge Arena after Seattle’s 85-83 victory last month, saying, “It was a great night for women’s basketball and great for Seattle.” It’s encouraging to see fresh perspectives on the game; hopefully, some of those supporters were on our side.

“If that was your first Storm game, I hope you come back and see more of what these amazing women have to offer.” This Thursday’s 7 p.m. game between Clark and the Fever (7-11) and the Storm (10-6) is sold out, marking the third time in franchise history that this has happened. While Jewell Loyd of the Storm, who spoiled Clark’s WNBA debut in Seattle with an incredible performance, will also receive some attention from the rematch, Clark is sure to garner a lot of attention both on and off the court.

Clark ended with 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Loyd finished with 32 points on 12-for-24 shooting, 11 rebounds, and six assists—all season highs. The 10-year veteran shot 24% from the field in the first four games of the season, so the Storm had hoped that this appearance would be his breakthrough. But Loyd’s shooting problems have persisted, especially when it comes to the perimeter.

As the season draws to a close, the five-foot-11 guard is averaging 18.4 points, which is six points less than her league-high 24.7 points per game from the previous season. The return of WNBA All-Stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith was predicted to result in a decline in scoring, but Loyd’s sharp decline in accuracy is worrisome. She is shooting a career-low 33.7% through 16 games, including a career-low 22.9% on three-pointers, her lowest since her rookie campaign in 2015.

When asked about her shooting mechanics, Loyd, a 40.4% career field goal shooter, replied, “It feels good.” Sometimes it’s simply that; other times it’s a rhythmic thing. The shots felt amazing, but they aren’t connecting. Same appearance, same method used by me. Nothing about my schedule or structure has altered. I can take care of other things, so I’m not too worried about it. Gamers experience it. Teams experience it. Loyd has made 3 of 34 three-pointers in the last six games, going 0 for 13 in the last three games. The last extended shooting dry spell that Loyd experienced came in 2019, during a 12-game span during which she made 4 of 31 three-pointers.

Quinn remarked, “We’ve seen this before on her journey.” As a group, we have experienced it. As her coach and teammate, I’ve been there. I’m not too concerned because of this. Just maintain her confidence while completing the repetitions.It is easier to regain your feeling when you practice. It’s a process that genuinely happens every day. One step at a time is what we’re doing. figuring out how to make her feel more at ease. She puts in so much work, so I believe things will work out.” It’s important to remember that although though Loyd’s shooting percentage has decreased, her averages for rebounding (5.5 per game) and assists (3.8) are career highs. Additionally, she’s averaging 1.4 steals, which is 1% less than her career high.

With 97 free throw attempts and an 87.6% free throw shooting percentage, Loyd is second in the WNBA. “As long as I impact the game and we’re winning, that’s what’s most important to me,” she stated. It might not be with scoring on some nights. It could have to do with playing defense, grabbing rebounds, or anything else. We are fortunate to have players who can score. That is the distinction from the previous year. It’s not limited to me alone.” Even though Loyd scored 939 points in a single season last year, the Storm concluded the previous season with 11-29, the lowest number in the league. She had five of her league-high twelve 30-point outings through 16 games last season, including a career-high 41 points.