As the WNBA 2024 draft class continues to impress, we’re tracking the best performances from top rookies in every matchup. While Reese recorded her 12th consecutive double-double in her last matchup against Seattle Storm, Clark became the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double in Saturday’s showdown against New York Liberty. But the sail to the record was not as glamorous.

Coming off losses in all three games against the New York Liberty, Fever’s rookie was all set to take over the opponent team this time around. The level of devotion to clinch a victory was quite visible in Clark’s physique. As she played, the fans were quick to notice the knee marks that Clark had from her last matchup against Las Vegas Aces. Clark, on the other hand, went on to play.

In fact, she focused more on counting today’s game as a win. Apart from achieving a historical feat, she even impressed the WNBA with her deep 3-pointers. But she did not attempt it alone. While Clark nailed a shot from the logo, Sabrina Ionescu attempted a bucket from the same distance right after her.

However, before taking the WNBA by storm, Caitlin Clark was silent. She did not score in the 3rd quarter and missed both 3-pointers she attempted. This seemed a little disappointing for spectators, but they surely felt the pain she might be going through. To embrace Clark’s strength and determination for matchups, Twitter users dived into the comment section.

Fans feeling the pain

While Clark was embarking on a historic path for rookies, X users were storming the comments. “Yeah, that definitely hurt like hell,” penned an X user. Although injuries are quite common on the court, for Clark they are more usual. Since her arrival on the court, she has been the most targeted rookie.

USA Today via Reuters

Until now, she has been snubbed from the USA roster, elbowed out by Chennedy Carter, and mocked by the Connecticut Sun’s guard. But all these instances were not enough to break Clark’s determination. “Damn… knew that hurt too. I was like Ouch!” added another. Quite evident from Clark’s on-court performance, it seems as if she’s used to these marks and pain.

“She’s said she knows she should wear knee pads but doesn’t like them. It hurt me to watch it, but she’s tougher than I am,” penned another user. Since Clark quite often gets injured, it’s advised to wear knee pads. But it seems it’s not her thing as she avoids it. “Get my girl some knee pads,” added a user.

Now that Clark will be going up against the USA’s talented roster on July 20th at Footprint Arena, she must take precautions. “That’s a true athlete’s knees,” said an X user. Notably, Clark and Reese are the only two rookies on the All-Star roster. Thus, she needs to be even more careful to perform. But the question is: will she be wearing knee pads from now on?