On Saturday, the Minnesota Lynx hosted Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at the Target Center, a game that was highly anticipated due to Clark’s rising stardom in the WNBA. However, the game drew an even larger crowd than usual, as fans were also eager to witness the jersey retirement ceremony of Lynx legend Maya Moore.
Caitlin Clark expressed her deep appreciation for the Minnesota fans, praising them for their respect and admiration for Maya Moore, a player she idolized during her own journey to becoming a basketball star. Clark was particularly moved by the support shown for Moore throughout the evening, recognizing how special the night was beyond just the on-court action.
Post-Game Reflections: Clark and Mitchell Praise Minnesota Fans
After the game, which the Lynx won 90-80, Caitlin Clark and her teammate Kelsey Mitchell spoke at the post-game press conference. Mitchell acknowledged the Minnesota fans for not making the night solely about Clark, despite her popularity drawing large crowds wherever she plays.
Clark echoed these sentiments, noting the basketball knowledge and appreciation of the Lynx fans. “A lot of people here wear Fever gear or Caitlin Clark shirts, but they also know and appreciate great basketball. They know Maya Moore is one of the best of all time,” Clark said.
Despite the Fever’s strong performance, Clark was impressed by how the fans balanced their excitement for her with their respect for Moore’s incredible legacy. She also observed how Lynx fans are deeply connected to the history of basketball in their city, celebrating Maya Moore’s achievements while continuing to support the current stars of the WNBA.
Maya Moore, who was the first overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, played for the Lynx until 2018, leading the team to four WNBA championships and earning numerous individual accolades along the way. Now retired at 35, Moore has become a dedicated social justice advocate, using her platform to fight for those in need.
Clark noted how knowledgeable and passionate the Minnesota fanbase is, recognizing that their love for basketball extends beyond just the NBA and into the rich history of the WNBA. The evening was a testament to the enduring legacy of Maya Moore and the respect that the Minnesota fans have for the sport’s history and its future stars.
