The first game at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena didn’t go well as the Fever fans had expected it to be. The Dallas Wings took control of the game right from the start, and Caitlin Clark and co were looking to catch up with their opponents throughout the game.
While Paige Bueckers received league GMs’ backing as a player to build a team around over CC, the Wings’ guard was impactful and clinical in the season opener, handing the hosts a loss on the opening night. Former Iowa star, though, came up with the positives from the game in the press conference and credited the Dallas team for their performance.
Caitlin Clark Shares Positive Update On Locker Room
The high-stakes season opener delivered with a game-setting record as the first season opener with 100+ points scored by both sides in the game. Though it was a close contest, the Fever team never looked in control, and after the game, the 24-year-old star gave a reason for the same.
“We started off a little slow, I think, just the anxiety of the first game, trying to work through that. But overall felt good, felt fast out there. It was a great test. It was a great game. Our locker room was positive afterwards. So we are not gonna hang our heads, we are gonna move forward,” Clark said in the post-game interview.
Caitlin Clark on the Fever's loss to the Dallas Wings in the season opener:
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) May 9, 2026
"It was a great test. It was a great game. Our locker room was positive afterwards." pic.twitter.com/7BpL0bchjW
She added that she was a couple of buckets away from a good game and helping the team win. She also highlighted that offense is not an issue for the side and could be better still in the season, and credited the opponents for a great outing.
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Although the Wings had more open looks in the game and were more efficient in the game, stats once again pinpointed the defensive lapses from the Fever team, as the playmaker had addressed the same before the game, too.
Caitlin Clark Pointed Out Areas She Needs To Improve
The 2024 WNBA assists leader and record-setting scorer has some shortcomings on defense, as the Wings tried to exploit them on multiple occasions. Ahead of the game, the star also pointed out that she would be working on her defensive rebounding and screening.
“I try to be a great defensive rebounder. I need to improve. That’s something I didn’t do too hot in the preseason games,” said Clark.
Interestingly, a reporter came under fire after backing the Indiana guard in a post highlighting her defensive weakness. But fans would love to see her improve on it and come back as a complete player on the floor.