Caitlin Clark returns with a vengeance, scoring 32 points for Indiana Fever

In Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, June 15, 2025, Caitlin Clark made a triumphant return to the WNBA after recovering from a quad injury. She played a pivotal role in leading the Indiana Fever to a resounding 102-88 victory against the previously unbeaten New York Liberty. In her season debut, Caitlin Clark showcased her skills by scoring an impressive 32 points, alongside nine assists and eight rebounds. Her exceptional performance included making seven 3-pointers, three of which came in a remarkable 38-second stretch that even astonished experienced commentator Rebecca Lobo. The game was significant not just for the win but also for the viewership it attracted. The matchup was the third most-watched WNBA game on ABC, garnering an average of 2.2 million viewers and peaking at 2.8 million, which marked a 76% increase from the previous season’s regular-season average. This surge in ratings underscores Clark's unique ability to draw attention to the league, a subject commented on by various WNBA figures, including Liberty coach Sandy Brondello and ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo, both of whom highlighted her influence on viewership and excitement surrounding the game. In addition to her standout performance against the Liberty, Caitlin Clark continued to excel on June 17, during a game against the Connecticut Sun, where she contributed 20 points, six assists, and four 3-pointers in another win for the Fever, thus securing their spot in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Fever's victory against Connecticut followed closely on the heels of their game against the Liberty and displayed Clark's continued impact on her team and the league. Her return has certainly sparked discussions regarding her immense talent and the potential growth of the WNBA, which is being propelled to unprecedented levels of visibility. Despite facing criticism and challenges since her entry into the league as the first overall pick in 2024, Clark maintains a status as a generational talent with an ability to transform the Indiana Fever's performance. Her incredible shooting range and playmaking skills establish her as a player to watch, and her contributions are making reshaping narratives in the league. As the Fever looks forward to maintaining their momentum, Caitlin Clark is undeniably at the center of both their success and the ongoing evolution of women's basketball in the WNBA.