After the Dallas Wings’ 100-93 loss to the Indiana Fever on Sunday, Wings forward Satou Sabally took a moment to acknowledge the remarkable performance of Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. Despite Sabally’s impressive 25 points and four rebounds, and a strong showing from her teammate Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings were unable to contain the Fever’s offensive surge in the fourth quarter. Indiana scored 30 points to Dallas’s 19 during that critical stretch.
Clark, who has quickly made a name for herself as one of the WNBA’s most dynamic players, was a significant factor in the game. She recorded 28 points and 12 assists, further solidifying her impact in her rookie season. Her performance drew a considerable amount of fan support, evident from the numerous No. 22 jerseys visible in the stands at the game.
In the postgame press conference, Sabally shared her mixed feelings about the overwhelming presence of Clark’s supporters in what was supposed to be a home game for the Wings. “Obviously, it’s annoying because there were way too many Caitlin fans in our arena,” Sabally said with a hint of humor. “But kudos, because it’s amazing to see so many people in women’s basketball jerseys. It’s amazing to see the excitement and the joy that comes out of that.”
Sabally noted that while it was frustrating to see so many Fever fans in Dallas, it also highlighted the growing popularity and support for women’s basketball. “Although I feel like our Dallas fans could have done better—I had mixed feelings seeing all the Caitlin jerseys in our home—it’s an amazing sign for women’s basketball,” she added.
Clark’s performance and the resulting fan turnout contributed to another sold-out crowd, a testament to the increasing engagement with the WNBA. As of the game, the Fever’s total attendance for both home and away games reached 504,000 fans, surpassing the New York Liberty by 150,000. This surge in attendance underscores Clark’s influence and the growing interest in women’s basketball.
Sabally’s comments reflect the competitive nature of the league, where star players like Clark can turn road games into a showcase of their own fan base. Despite the frustration of facing such a formidable opponent, Sabally and other players acknowledge that Clark’s success is a positive development for the sport.
The Fever’s ability to draw large crowds and Clark’s standout performances are seen as crucial factors in the WNBA’s expanding popularity. As the league continues to grow, players like Clark are helping to set new benchmarks for fan engagement and excitement in women’s professional basketball.