Current:Home > StocksCaitlin Clark finishes with 20 points and 10 turnovers as Fever fall to Connecticut in WNBA opener -Capitatum
Caitlin Clark finishes with 20 points and 10 turnovers as Fever fall to Connecticut in WNBA opener
View
Date:2025-04-20 13:32:35
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Caitlin Clark struggled early in her WNBA debut before finishing with 20 points and 10 turnovers as the Indiana Fever fell to the Connecticut Sun 92-71 on Tuesday night.
Alyssa Thomas led the Sun with 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, registering the 12th triple-double of her career. DeWanna Bonner added 20 points and DiJonai Carrington had 16. Carrington also was a major reason for Clark’s early offensive struggles, hounding the guard.
“Disappointed and nobody likes to lose, that’s how it is,” Clark said. “Can’t beat yourself up too much about one game.”
The NCAA’s all-time Division I scoring leader, who finished the game 5 for 15 from the field, went scoreless in the first quarter. She missed her first four shots before finally getting on the board midway through the second period.
Clark stole the ball around the foul line and drove the length of the court before laying the ball in. She later added two free throws and hit a 3-pointer with 29.9 seconds left in the first half to finish the opening 20 minutes with seven points, hitting two of her seven shot attempts. The Fever trailed 49-39 at the break.
The Fever got within 63-57 late in the third quarter on two free throws by Clark, but couldn’t get closer the rest of the way.
Clark did start heating up from the field, hitting four 3-pointers, including one from long range.
“Caitlin was able to get her some looks, able to knock them down. our spacing was not great,” Indiana coach Christie Sides said. “Connecticut came in and punched us in the mouth tonight. We’ll be in the gym tomorrow watching a lot of video trying to figure out how not to turn the ball over 25 times.”
Clark broke the WNBA all-time record for turnovers in a debut game that was held by Cynthia Cooper-Dyke when she had eight.
MOVING ON UP
Bonner moved into fifth on the WNBA’s career scoring list, moving ahead of former Phoenix Mercury teammate Candice Dupree. who finished her career with 6,895 points. Bonner passed Dupree on a layup midway through the third quarter.
“To do it here on this night with this team and this group and this crowd made it more special,” Bonner said. “It was huge and goal of mine i can check off my list. to be in this league is hard, to stay in this league is harder. To be part of that list is amazing. pat myself on the back for that one.”
Bonner, who now has 6,901 points, raised her hands to the crowd after a timeout to acknowledge the accomplishment.
RETURN OF BRIONNA
Brionna Jones played for the first time since rupturing her right Achilles tendon last June. The Sun’s All-Star center had eight points while playing just under 20 minutes.
“We certainly missed her and it put a smile on my face to see her out there again,” Connecticut coach Stephanie White said.
UP NEXT:
Fever: Return to Indiana to play New York on Thursday in the team’s home opener
Sun: Host Washington on Friday.
___
AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
veryGood! (57)
Related
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, The Strokes
- Manhunt in Louisiana still on for 2 escapees, including 1 homicide suspect
- Diplomatic efforts for Israel-Hamas hostage talks expected to resume next week, sources say
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Super Bowl champion shares 5 core values for youth athletes regardless of economic status
- Texas' Tony Gonzales tries to fight off YouTube personality in runoff election where anything can happen
- U.N.'s top court calls for Israel to halt military offensive in southern Gaza city of Rafah
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- When does 'America's Got Talent' return? Premiere date, judges, where to watch Season 19
Ranking
- Southern California rocked by series of earthquakes: Is a bigger one brewing?
- In Trump’s hush money trial, prosecutors and defense lawyers are poised to make final pitch to jury
- First-place Seattle Mariners know what they're doing isn't sustainable in AL West race
- Bill Walton college: Stats, highlights, records from UCLA center's Hall of Fame career
- IOC's decision to separate speed climbing from other disciplines paying off
- Kate Middleton and Prince William Mourn Death of RAF Pilot After Spitfire Crash
- Border bill fails Senate test vote as Democrats seek to underscore Republican resistance
- Lizzo reacts to 'South Park' joke about her in Ozempic episode: 'My worst fear'
Recommendation
Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
Bill Walton college: Stats, highlights, records from UCLA center's Hall of Fame career
Olivia Culpo's Malibu Bridal Shower Featured a Sweet Christian McCaffrey Cameo
Has the anonymous author of the infamous Circleville letters been unmasked?
The seven biggest college football quarterback competitions include Michigan, Ohio State
Stock market today: Asian shares mostly higher after rebound on Wall St
Last year’s deadly heat wave in metro Phoenix didn’t discriminate
Last year’s deadly heat wave in metro Phoenix didn’t discriminate