Caitlin Clark Gets Hit Hard, Then Goes Savage Against Atlanta Dream in Preseason Thriller
May 10, 2025 – Atlanta, Georgia — Caitlin Clark is already proving that she’s not just a rookie to watch — she’s a force to be reckoned with. In a preseason showdown between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream, Clark bounced back from an early injury scare and delivered a gritty, highlight-filled performance that helped secure an 81–76 win for Indiana. What started with a painful fall quickly turned into a savage comeback that had fans and media buzzing.
Early Scare: Hard Hit and Ankle Roll
Early in the first quarter, Clark suffered what looked like a scary injury when she rolled her left ankle while making a defensive move. The Fever training staff helped her off the court, and for a moment, it looked like the WNBA’s most-hyped rookie might be done for the night.
But in true Clark fashion, she wasn’t going out like that.
Just minutes later, she returned to the game to a roar from the crowd — taped up, locked in, and more determined than ever.
“She wanted to go back in almost immediately,” a Fever staffer told reporters. “She’s tough. There was never a doubt in her mind.”
Savage Comeback: Stats and Viral Moments
Back on the court, Clark wasted no time making her presence known. She ended the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, logging 37 minutes in total. But it wasn’t just the box score that had people talking.
One of the game’s viral highlights came in the second half when Clark blew past four Dream defenders with a slick Euro-step, finishing the play with a tough and-1 layup. The video racked up over 200,000 views online within hours.
“This was her ‘welcome to the WNBA’ moment — and she answered,” one fan tweeted. “That move? Nasty.”
Clark also made WNBA history in the process, marking her 16th straight game with at least 15 points and 5 assists, dating back to her college career and continuing through her pro debut.
Record-Breaking Crowd and Rising Star Power
The game was more than just preseason — it was a major event. A record-breaking 17,608 fans packed State Farm Arena in Atlanta, setting a new mark for the largest WNBA game attendance in Georgia history. Much of that can be credited to Clark’s star power.
“It felt like a playoff game,” one Dream player said. “That energy? That was all Caitlin.”
Clark’s presence is already boosting ticket sales and TV viewership across the league. The WNBA is seeing a surge in popularity, and Clark’s rookie campaign is clearly playing a big role.
Clark’s Mentality: Competitive, Composed, and Fearless
What impressed many wasn’t just the highlight plays, but the way Clark handled adversity. Getting hit hard, potentially injuring her ankle, and still coming back to dominate the game shows a maturity and toughness far beyond her years.
“I’m here to compete, no matter what,” Clark said post-game. “If I can play, I’m playing.”
Her competitive fire — paired with her elite skillset — is why so many believe she’s not just going to be good in the WNBA, but great.
What’s Next?
The Indiana Fever will kick off their regular season on May 14 against the Connecticut Sun, and all eyes will be on Clark. If her preseason performance is any indication, she’s ready to take the league by storm.
Related Articles:
Caitlin Clark Blows Past 4 Dream Defenders in Viral WNBA Moment
Fever vs. Dream Draws Record Crowd in Georgia for WNBA Preseason
Clark Overcomes Injury Scare to Lead Fever to Win
