The 2026 season is officially underway, with preseason games hinting at the league running right on schedule for the tipoff. One of the exciting preseason games is between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty, as Caitlin Clark will take the WNBA Stage after nearly eight months’ absence.
The Fever side also added around the megastar with top free-agent and WNBA draft picks. Especially the free agency picks impressed Clark, who is aiming for the championship in her third season with the Fever team. The player also spoke highly about the rookies, and one particular moment in the press conference went viral.
Caitlin Clark Pauses While Discussing Raven Johnson And Other Rookies
The 24-year-old is the heart of the Indiana Fever’s offense with her playmaking and explosive shooting ability. While the franchise is looking to build around her, the addition of rookies is also very much strategic, complementing the former Iowa star.
Speaking about the rookies, the two-time All-Star singled out Raven Johnson and said, “Truly intimidating, so that I’m just helping as much as I can, especially Raven, who is the primary ball handler and you know trying to pick up the offence.”
Caitlin Clark on Raven Johnson and the Fever rookies (complete with a pause) pic.twitter.com/gKEfXFAH8f
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) April 25, 2026
She even praised other rookies for their impactful gameplay, but the ‘unintentional’ pause went viral, with fans making absurd predictions about it.
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The pause became more noticeable after the infamous incident between CC and Johnson during the college games, which, according to the South Carolina guard, served as her motivation to overcome the adversities. Candace Parker was also honest about how Clark shaped Johnson’s career through one incident, but the player recently opened up on her interactions with the Fever playmaker.
Raven Johnson Makes Her Stance Clear On Caitlin Clark
On the Post Moves podcast, Aliyah Boston and Parker discussed the possible awkward situation at the training camp, as AB suggested that Clark and Johnson should just talk about the ‘shoving off’ incident. But when reporters asked the 2025 rookie about it, she had a straightforward answer, denying any such talks.
“No, we haven’t. I think that’s in the past, honestly. We’re teammates now, and we have one goal: That’s to win a championship. And, you know, I’m coming in, and I want to win a championship, too. And I’m pretty sure that’s her main goal too. So whatever I can do to help win a championship, that’s the goal right now,” Johnson said.
Raven Johnson on whether she has spoken to Caitlin Clark on the viral wave-off moment in 2023:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 22, 2026
"No, we haven't. I think that's in the past, honestly. We're teammates now and we have one goal, that's to win a championship."
(via @RomeovilleKid)pic.twitter.com/v0T0KiJj7z https://t.co/Td0JeV2mJL
The players will likely work together on the floor, with the rookie giving the third-year vet a breather and sharing some scoring load.