Caitlin Clark explains how Fever shook off loss to Mystics with fast start vs. Mercury

Last time out, a slow start eventually doomed the Indiana Fever. The Washington Mystics took an early lead and managed to fight off a late surge, handing Caitlin Clark and the Fever another loss this season.

It was a much different story for Indiana against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday, though. Everything went the Fever’s way – thanks to a historic start from Clark – to take a 55-35 lead into the break. The No. 1 overall pick had a franchise record seven assists in the first quarter and ended the half with nine dimes, to go with 15 points.

Shaking off the last performance was instrumental, Clark said at halftime. But she knows the Fever can’t get too comfortable against the Mercury, even though they’re dealing with multiple injuries.

“I think just coming out and playing with a lot of energy, and I think that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Clark told Kelsie Kasper. “But we can’t let up. They’re fighting their battle and they’re obviously short on the bodies. The more we can push the pace, the better.”

Clark and the Fever were flying around the court during the first half, with multiple highlight-reel plays in the process. It looked like Indiana was starting to find its stride after stressing the need for chemistry earlier in the year.

As for what the key to success was, Clark said it was simple. Make plays on defense, then get downhill o the other end.

“When we can get stops and go in transition, we’re really good,” Clark said of her fast start. “So more of that.”

Caitlin Clark continues to get comfortable in the WNBA

Clark is in the midst of an impressive stretch as she finds her footing in the WNBA. Between her trademark logo threes and passes that are now leading to buckets, she’s getting more and more comfortable at the next level.

The former Iowa star entered Friday’s game averaging 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists to go with 1.5 steals. She’s also less than a week removed from her first career triple-double, becoming the first rookie in league history to accomplish that feat.

That success is why Clark is heading to Phoenix. She and Angel Reese became the first rookie duo to make the WNBA All-Star Game since 2014 as both players put together historic rookie seasons. With just a few days left before the All-Star and Olympic breaks, both players are generating plenty of buzz through the early part of their careers.