Wednesday morning couldn’t have started any better for the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark. It was a bit abrupt, but fans are thrilled nonetheless. While it was an off-day for Clark & Co., other results in the league ensured the franchise finally ended its seven-season-long playoff drought, with cheers just as loud as the earlier criticism. Locals are well aware of how much the team has struggled in the past few years. The Fever had to play 11 games in 19 days at the start of the season and were at the bottom of the standings. But it is different now.

The euphoria among the locals at the team’s latest feat is infectious. Overcoming a disappointing 1-8 start to the season, Clark and her squad are now receiving much praise from fans. While Clark & C0. have inspired young girls to chase their dreams, they have also sparked a frenzy among the men.

One of the excited fans detailed how the entire crowd was invested and noted as per FOX59 News, “I never thought I would see grown men yelling at referees about women’s basketball, and that’s been really, really fun and awesome to see.” 

The WNBA rookie has truly been crucial in turning the eyeballs to the game. With Las Vegas having clinched a win over Chicago and Phoenix beating Atlanta, the Fever secured their playoff spot in the most unusual fashion. As many are aware, this will be the Fever’s first playoff appearance after the retirement of franchise icon Tamika Catchings. 

Clark, who was instrumental in the team’s journey, watched both games, while the head coach slept through them and later excitedly detailed of waking up to “some really awesome text messages.” Averaging 18.7 points and 8.4 assists, Clark has been phenomenal, breaking the rookie assists record and notching up two triple-doubles in the league despite all the hurdles.

Fans sing praises as Indiana Fever shatters playoff drought

Fans have waited a long time for this moment. One fan detailed how thrilled they are to see Clark’s team make such immense progress and said, “We just are so proud of Caitlin and the whole team, really. I mean, we just love watching every game. It’s just awesome to watch them, and I’m super excited to see how far they go.” 

There are still seven games left in the season for Indiana. This has certainly turned the occasional attendees into regular ones. Now that’s the Caitlin Clark Effect people talk about. “I come to games occasionally, but now I’m hooked,” one of the fans said. 

The 22-year-old’s presence with the Fever has clearly contributed to the hype. Many fans have noted that their interest was renewed after Clark joined the team and are eager to see how she fares with the Fever. “After we got the draft with Caitlin, I was like, it’s worth it. I was like, all right, well, you know, if there’s a time to get them, it’s going to be now. And I want to go see what the hype is all about since I haven’t seen her in person,” a fan noted. 

Young athlete girls are motivated and inspired by what Clark and her squad have done for the game and the team. “Basketball Indiana and having another outlet to take the girls to see a role model and a really enjoyable game is just another great aspect of Indianapolis,” one of the attendees claimed about the Fever. 

The Fever is currently placed at No. 6 in the WNBA standings, and as Clark stated, while it is a moment of celebration, there’s still much for the team to do.