How Caitlin Clark s Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan in historic rookie Playoff performance

Though the Indiana Fever's playoff run came to a bittersweet end, Caitlin Clark's sensational rookie season has left an indelible mark on the WNBA. The Fever were eliminated after a hard-fought 81-87 loss to the Connecticut Sun in Game 2 of the First Round, but Clark's historic performance will be ed for years to come. At just 22 years old, Clark has ed an elite class of athletes, earning comparisons to NBA greats like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.

In her final game of the season, Clark delivered a stellar performance, scoring 25 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists. Her ability to put up such impressive numbers placed her in rare company, becoming the first rookie since Magic Johnson to hit those stats in an NBA or WNBA playoff game.

Magic famously started his rookie playoff run with back-to-back triple-doubles, and while Clark didn't quite reach that milestone, her game was undeniably impactful. Magic put up 25 points in his own Game 2 during his debut playoff series, adding 13 rebounds and 11 assists, showcasing the level of competition Clark is now a part of.

But there's more to Clark's accolades than just comparisons to Magic. She also became only the second rookie in NBA/WNBA history to average at least 18 points, 5 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game in a playoff series. The first to do so? None other than Michael Jordan. Jordan, in his rookie playoff appearance, averaged 29.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1 block per game. Much like Clark, MJ's season ended with a first-round exit, but his legacy grew from there.

Clark is on her way to becoming a WNBA legend

Clark also followed in the footsteps of WNBA legend Maya Moore, becoming the first rookie since Moore in 2011 to post 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a playoff game. While these numbers highlight her brilliance, anyone familiar with Clark knows that stats mean little to her without wins to back them up.

In a post-game interview, Clark reflected on the game and the tough loss to the Sun. "It was a tough one," she itted. "We climbed all the way back in and definitely had our opportunities... but a few different miscues, and it's back to a two-possession game. We couldn't quite get over the hump." Despite the frustration, Clark remained optimistic about the future, saying, "There's a lot for us to hold our heads high about."

With the Fever finishing their 25th season, they have every reason to look forward to the next. Clark's rookie season was nothing short of incredible, and her partnership with last year's Rookie of the Year, Aliyah Boston, is a promising combination. The duo combined for 41 points in Game 2 of the playoffs, giving fans a glimpse of what's to come. As Clark put it, "It's a good little taste of what's possible for this organization and for this franchise."

While the Fever's season is over, Clark's journey is just beginning. After the longest basketball season of her career, she has plenty to reflect on and take pride in. As the offseason begins, it's clear that Caitlin Clark is on a path to becoming one of the greatest players the WNBA has ever seen.