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Fever players thank Caitlin Clark for popularity boost after WNBA record attendance: ‘We appreciate her for this’

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The Indiana fever ended the regular season the same way they started it: on a record high.

When Caitlin Clark made her WNBA debut in May against the Connecticut Sun. The game set the record for the most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years, with 2.1 million viewers watching the former Iowa star take the stage.

Caitlin Clark signs a ball

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, signs mini basketballs for fans after a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP photo/Michael Conroy)

On Thursday night, the Fever set a new record in front of a crowd of 20,711 fans, the largest attendance in WNBA history.

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This year’s rookie class set a new standard for women’s basketball, but Clark led the way and her teammates recognized the impact she had on the sport.

“It’s huge,” NaLyssa Smith said of the crowd that attended Thursday’s narrow loss to the Mystics from Washington.

“This is what we’ve always hoped for. It’s fun to play for this (audience). You never get used to it. Just always showing up and playing to sold out venues, and I mean, shoutout Caitlin. Shoutout Caitlin, we appreciate her for that.”

Caitlin Clark Fans

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, celebrates her three-pointer against the Dallas Wings during the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 15, 2024. (AP photo/Michael Conroy)

CAITLIN CLARK’S FIRST SEASON FINAL IS THE MOST GATHERED WNBA GAME EVER, ENDING A HISTORIC SEASON

Fever star Kelsey Mitchell indicated that was also the case ahead of the game, adding that Clark’s popularity has led to “regular” fans beginning to appreciate the biggest names in the sport.

“I think the reality is that I don’t think people would know without (Caitlin Clark). So, shoutout to Caitlin. That’s just the reality. I think she’s done an incredible job of obviously including her own fans and the people that support her.”

Kelsey Mitchell tries to take a shot

Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, left, shoots over Phoenix Mercury’s Natasha Cloud during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

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Clark has undoubtedly influenced the landscape of the WNBA, but it has also changed the landscape of the franchise. The Fever secured a sixth seed in the playoffs earlier this month, making their first postseason appearance since 2016.

They begin their playoff adventure with a three-game series against the Sun, starting with Game 1 on Sunday.

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