Caitlin Clark Shines in WNBA All-Star Return, Scores 17 in Chicago Victory
Iowa's own Caitlin Clark made a triumphant return to the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night, scoring 17 points and dishing out 5 assists to lead Team Spoon to a 129-122 win over Team Coop at the United Center in Chicago.
The former University of Iowa superstar and current Indiana Fever guard electrified the crowd of 19,783 — the largest in WNBA All-Star history — by scoring 11 points in the first 2½ minutes. She opened with a running layup and then drilled three-pointers from 28, 34, and 38 feet, showcasing the deep shooting range that made her a household name in Iowa.
How Did Clark Perform in Her First True All-Star Game?
Clark finished 6-of-17 from the field and 5-of-15 from three-point range in 20 minutes. Fourteen of her points came in the first half. She also grabbed 4 rebounds but committed 5 turnovers.
Saturday marked Clark's first appearance in a conventional All-Star Game. Last year's event in Indianapolis — her home city as a pro — was played during her rookie season but matched the U.S. Olympic team against a roster of All-Stars, not a traditional format. Clark missed that game entirely with a groin injury.
“Last year really stunk, especially with it being in our home city. You never want to miss that, and you never want to miss it for the fans,” Clark said at the postgame press conference. “I love showing up, competing, and playing.”
What Was the Atmosphere Like in Chicago?
The sold-out crowd of nearly 20,000 was the largest ever for a WNBA All-Star Game, surpassing the previous record. The game was the first All-Star event held in Chicago since 2022.
Players spent part of the weekend at the Obama Presidential Center, where former President Barack Obama spoke to them about focusing on joy. Clark said she took that message to heart.
“For myself, I came out just trying to have fun, enjoy tonight, play hard, and set the tone for my team,” Clark said. “Then the second group came in and was like, ‘Okay, we’re going to play like that too.’”
How Did Other Indiana Fever Players Perform?
Clark's Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell led all scorers with 28 points for Team Coop, adding 5 steals. The two faced off for the first time as opponents in an All-Star setting.
“It was really strange being on the other side of the ball from her,” Clark said. “I swear she doesn’t miss any shots, so I’m just really glad she’s on my team most of the time because she makes my life really easy.”
Aliyah Boston, the third Indiana player selected, played 5 minutes and did not score.
What’s Next for Clark and the Fever?
Clark said she was flying home Saturday night and heading to Seattle on Sunday for Indiana's next game Tuesday. The Fever are 17-10 and fifth in the standings, 4.5 games behind Minnesota. They have won three straight and lead the league in scoring at 95.5 points per game.
“Obviously, it’s a tough turnaround, and the Fever probably have one of the quickest ones,” Clark said. “Everybody can complain about the schedule, but at the same time, it’s always an honor to put this jersey on, compete, and be around the best players in the world.”
Clark is averaging 21.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game this season, shooting 43.5% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range.
Jonquel Jones won MVP honors with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists for Team Spoon. Olivia Miles, the only rookie selected, finished with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists on perfect 5-of-5 shooting.
The teams combined to attempt 127 three-pointers, making 41. Team Spoon shot 20-of-61 from beyond the arc and outscored Team Coop 38-11 in fast break points.
For Iowa fans who followed Clark through her legendary college career at the University of Iowa, Saturday night was another reminder of why she remains one of the most exciting players in the game.