Caitlin Clark was fueled by an enthusiastic home crowd as she led Indiana Fever to victory in the WNBA preseason.

Caitlin Clark, the top pick in the WNBA draft, received enthusiastic support from over 13,000 fans during her debut home game with the Indiana Fever in the preseason. The Fever secured an 83-80 victory against the Atlanta Dream, with Clark, recognized as one of the most outstanding college players ever from her time at the University of Iowa, contributing 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in her 31 minutes on the court.

In Indianapolis, the crowd, though arriving late, was notably boisterous during Clark’s introduction to Fever fans and erupted with each significant play she made, including her first lay-up and a crucial three-pointer in the third quarter. Reflecting on her home debut, Clark expressed her enjoyment at the lively atmosphere and anticipated that the strong fan support would continue throughout the season, recognizing its potential to boost the team’s performance.

The enthusiastic crowd played a crucial role as Caitlin Clark spurred the Fever to overcome an early double-digit deficit, rebounding from their preseason opening loss in Dallas. The official attendance of 13,028 was nearly three times higher than Indiana’s average of slightly over 4,000 per game during the 2023 regular season.

Clark has swiftly transitioned from college basketball, with just a month passing since her collegiate days. The intrigue surrounding Clark has led some opponents to relocate games to larger venues to accommodate increased ticket demand. Additionally, a team that hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2016 will now feature 36 of its 40 regular-season games on national television.

Expressing her excitement, Clark emphasized the competitive nature of the league, highlighting the opportunity for redemption after a tough night. With anticipation building, the Fever are gearing up to kick off their regular season against the Connecticut Sun in Montville.