While the Indiana Pacers played in a decisive Game 6 back home at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Fever had their own matters to attend in Bay Area as they took on the Golden State Valkyries.

The Fever entered the game looking to stay focused after a chippy showdown with the Connecticut Sun that nearly erupted into a brawl. While head coach Stephanie White voiced her frustrations over the officiating in the postgame press conference then, fans were more focused on Caitlin Clark’s fire and leadership as she helped power the team to a much-needed win.

By the time Clark arrived in San Francisco, the buzz was already building. Dubbed a “superstar” by Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers just days earlier, fans awaited to catch a glimpse of the generational talent.

Clark Shows Love to the Valkyries Fans Pre-Game

When Rivers was a guest on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” a couple of days ago, the two engaged in a discussion on what defines a superstar. For this, Rivers and Simmons agreed on two parameters. The first was the ability to make your teammates better, something evident in Clark ranking second in the WNBA in assists per game this season.

The other parameter? The ability to draw out crowds on the road. Because even though these players might not play for your team, you still want to witness greatness.

To this end, Clark, who has made a habit of attracting crowds wherever she goes, was seen signing jerseys, basketballs, and photographs before she headed back into the tunnel post shootaround in San Francisco. Fans brought not just Fever jerseys of Clark but also ones from her alma matter Iowa, displaying a level of popularity that is unforeseen in the W.

However, Clark and the Fever’s road trip was marred by the endgame result as they absorbed an 88-77 loss to the Valkyries. Although the Fever led for the first three quarters of the game, the Valkyries’ cohesive play saw them outscore the visiting team, 33-18, in the final quarter to secure the victory.

Clark’s shooting slump is starting to raise some concerns, however.

The sharpshooter went another game without hitting a 3-pointer, just weeks after a similar struggle against the Atlanta Dream, which ended her remarkable 140-game streak (including college playoffs) with at least one made three. That run dated back to Jan. 13, 2022, during her sophomore year at Iowa.

With two cold outings in a month, the Fever will be hoping this is just a temporary dip, not a lingering effect of the quad injury she’s been managing. As Indiana enters a pivotal stretch of the season, keeping Clark healthy is crucial. In a year when league competition is at an all-time high, the Fever will need her at full strength to stay in the playoff race.