Rookie point guard Caitlin Clark struggled in her WNBA Playoffs debut as the No. 6 Indiana Fever were defeated by the No. 3 Connecticut Sun 93-69 in Game 1.
Clark finished the contest with just 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting and 2-of-13 from three, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. It was one of her worst outings since the league’s return from the Olympic break.
Hours before the game, Fever forward Damiris Dantas spoke to reporters during Indiana’s media availability. In the background, you can see Caitlin talking with her parents, Brent and Anne Clark, before starter NaLyssa Smith greets each of them with a hug.
The video was posted on X and is going viral with well over 200,000 views.
Former Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (center) poses with mother Anne Clark (left) and father Brent Clark
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Throughout the season, fans have noticed an ongoing increase in chemistry from the Fever. Their bond was even more apparent following the month-long hiatus when Indiana turned its game up a notch to finish the final 14 games with a 9-5 record.
But on Sunday, the chemistry went one step further with Clark’s family and Smith, and WNBA fans loved it.
“The Clark Parents love Nalyssa!!” one fan said.
“Lyss and Caitlin’s family have a solid relationship.”
“This is so adorable”
“This is real cute”
“It’s heartwarming to see the support from Caitlin Clark’s family for NaLyssa Smith. It shows the strong bond within the Fever locker room.”
“Everyone loves NaLyssa I’m glad she got that hug from CC’s parents”
Brent and Anne raised Caitlin in Des Moines, Iowa. During her college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark’s parents constantly showed support for their daughter at each game. It helped that she was right down the road from where they lived. But they seem to be doing the same thing in the WNBA, as any parent should.
