Clark scores 16 and Fever defeated Dream 91-79 in front of a record 17,575 fans

The game was played at the home of the Atlanta Hawks due to high demand for tickets for Clark, the No. 1 draft pick. The Dream’s usual home at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park has a capacity of 3,500.

The hyped matchup took a hit when it was announced that Rhyne Howard, Atlanta’s top 2022 pick, would not play due to a lower leg injury.

Indiana scored a season-high 35 points in the first quarter and built a 10-point lead after shooting 70% from the field.

Clark made her fourth 3-pointer and Indiana’s 10th to extend the lead to 71-60 midway through the third quarter. It came during an 11-3 run that ended with a 79-62 lead. The Fever cruised in the fourth.

Kelsey Mitchell added 18 points and Aliyah Boston had 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Indiana (7-10), which won its fourth straight game. Katie Lou Samuelson added 10 points off the bench.

Tina Charles scored a season-high 24 for her 37th career 20-point game to lead Atlanta (6-8). Allisha Gray added 19 points and Haley Jones scored 12.

Atlanta’s next home game against Indiana will also be played at State Farm Arena on August 26.

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball