Caitlin Clark’s preseason finale, which just so happened to be her first game with the Indiana Fever inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, ended in an 83-80 victory over the Atlanta Dream. But her performance wasn’t up to the standard the No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick set for herself.

Clark finished the game with 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists. She drained just two of her nine three-point attempts in the Fever’s preseason finale victory. It was an off night for the former Iowa Hawkeyes superstar.

“I didn’t think I was that effective tonight,” Clark said after the game.

Clark is always hard on herself when she doesn’t live up to the standard she expects herself to play at. But her teammates got her back.

Fever teammate NaLyssa Smith dropped a truth bomb about Clark’s assessment of herself, admitting that all the attention Clark gets opens up opportunity for the rest of the team. The team made the most of those opportunities on Thursday night by beating the Atlanta Dream 83-80.

“She was effective. Everybody is so focused on her, she’s giving the rest of us opportunity,” Smith said.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates with Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith (1) during the second quarter against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center.

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While Clark had an off night, Smith certainly didn’t. The Fever forward finished the game with a game-high 21 points. She’s benefitting from all the attention opposing defenses are giving Clark.

Clark and the Fever begin the 2024 regular season on May 14 vs. the Dallas Wings.