Caitlin Clark Goes 0-for-7 from Three in Stunning Loss as Indiana Fever Fall to WNBA Newcomers Golden State Valkyries

On a night that was supposed to be just another chapter in the story of Caitlin Clark’s explosive ascent in the WNBA, fans instead witnessed a rare and historic cold streak from the former Iowa sensation. The Indiana Fever star went 0-for-7 from beyond the arc — the first time in her collegiate or professional career that she attempted at least seven three-point shots and failed to make a single one. Making matters worse, the Fever were upset by the league’s newest expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, who claimed a decisive 88-77 win on Thursday night.

Clark, who has carried massive expectations since entering the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick, finished with just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting overall, including that uncharacteristic goose egg from deep. The Valkyries, meanwhile, played with the poise and hunger of a veteran-laden group, outscoring the Fever in three of four quarters and dominating the second half with suffocating defense and timely buckets.

“I have to be better,” Clark said postgame, her voice low and measured but firm. “That’s on me. I take those shots with confidence, and I’ll keep taking them, but tonight they just didn’t fall.”

The miss-heavy performance by Clark wasn’t just a statistical anomaly — it underscored a larger issue for the Fever: their offensive over-reliance on the rookie guard. When Clark struggles, the team often struggles with her. Despite a few positive showings from teammates like NaLyssa Smith (who led Indiana with 20 points and 9 rebounds) and Kelsey Mitchell (15 points), the offensive flow was consistently disrupted by Valkyries pressure and Indiana’s lack of a consistent secondary creator.

Golden State’s expansion debut season has already raised eyebrows, but Thursday’s victory might have been their coming-out party. Led by point guard Jada Williams — a fellow rookie and early Rookie of the Year dark horse — the Valkyries out-hustled and out-shot the Fever. Williams tallied 21 points and 7 assists, while veteran center Cheyenne Parker anchored the paint with 12 rebounds and 5 blocks. As a unit, the Valkyries held Indiana to just 39% shooting and forced 17 turnovers.

“This win means a lot to us,” Valkyries head coach Karla Green said. “We knew they’d come in swinging, and we had to be mentally tougher. Caitlin Clark is a generational talent, but tonight, we showed we’re not afraid of anyone.”

Clark’s zero-for-seven mark from downtown isn’t just a curiosity — it’s a milestone. Through four years of historic shooting at Iowa and into her first WNBA season, she had never once gone 0-for-7 or worse from deep in a single game. Even her rare off nights in college saw her make at least one three-pointer, no matter how many she took. This made Thursday’s performance a stark contrast to what fans, scouts, and opponents have come to expect.

“It’s a weird feeling,” said Fever coach Christie Sides. “You see the looks she got — most of them were her shots, the ones she makes in her sleep. But that’s basketball. Shooters shoot, and sometimes the rim’s just not kind.”

Despite the disappointing outing, Clark remained active in other areas. She dished out six assists, grabbed four rebounds, and had two steals, showing the all-around game that made her such a coveted player. Still, as the face of the franchise, she will inevitably shoulder more blame than most for high-profile losses like this one.

Social media exploded in reaction to Clark’s off night, with many defending her while others questioned whether the immense pressure of professional stardom is beginning to wear on the 22-year-old. With national broadcasts, sold-out arenas, and endorsement deals piling up, it’s clear Clark is under a microscope that few rookies — or athletes in general — ever experience.

Yet for those who’ve followed her career, the night felt less like a sign of decline and more like a temporary blip in a long season filled with adjustments and learning curves.

“She’s still Caitlin Clark,” ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo said during the postgame segment. “This doesn’t change who she is as a player. If anything, I expect her to come out in the next game and remind everyone why she’s the most electrifying scorer in the league.”

The Fever, now 5-9, have struggled to find rhythm this season, especially against teams with aggressive perimeter defenses. While Clark’s presence has elevated their visibility and injected energy into the franchise, consistent wins remain elusive. The team sits just outside the playoff picture and will need to develop more reliable scoring options if they hope to compete down the stretch.

For the Valkyries, the win continues a remarkable inaugural campaign that few saw coming. At 6-7, they are currently ahead of several legacy franchises in the standings and have quickly forged a defensive identity and team chemistry rare for expansion clubs. Their mix of rookies, savvy veterans, and fearless coaching has created a dynamic that could surprise even more opponents.

“We know what the headlines will say tomorrow — about Caitlin Clark and her bad night,” Valkyries forward Brianna Fraser said. “But that’s fine. We’ll just keep winning games and making our own headlines.”

The Fever have little time to dwell on the loss. They’ll face the Connecticut Sun on Sunday in another nationally televised matchup, and Clark will have a chance to bounce back in front of a primetime audience. All eyes, as always, will be on her shot.

When asked what she plans to do between now and then, Clark was succinct: “Get back in the gym, trust my work, and let it fly.”

And knowing her history, it’s safe to say it won’t be long before the next barrage of three-pointers starts falling again.

But for one night in San Francisco, the shots didn’t fall, the buzzer sounded, and history was made — just not the kind Clark or the Fever wanted.