Caitlin Clark’s SHOCKING Eye Poke Incident and what needs to change

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Caitlin Clark unanimously named AP WNBA Rookie of the Year after record-breaking season

WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark has enjoyed a historic season so far.

WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark has enjoyed a historic season so far.
Michael Hickey/Getty Images

CNN — 

Caitlin Clark has continued to reap the rewards from her remarkable debut season in the WNBA, most recently being unanimously chosen for the Associated Press’ (AP) Rookie of the Year.

The Indiana Fever star was also named in AP’s All-WNBA first team, as well as the All-Rookie Team, as the awards were announced on Sunday. The WNBA will announce its official Rookie of the Year and the rest of its awards throughout the postseason which tipped off on Sunday.

Clark, who has transcended the sport in her short career already, said it was a “tremendous honor” to be recognized by sportswriters and broadcasters.

Jul 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts against the LA Sparks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“This recognition wouldn’t be possible without an incredible group of teammates and coaches, and we are looking forward to continuing an exciting regular season in the postseason,” she told AP.

Clark went into her rookie season with the weight of expectation on her shoulders, and she certainly didn’t disappoint.

The 22-year-old, who has led her team to its first playoff appearance since 2016, started all 40 regular season games for the Fever and broke new ground in the process.

She became the WNBA single-season assists record holder (337), an accomplishment which included a league-record 19 assists in one game.

Clark also became the first rookie to record a triple-double and holds the record for most three-pointers made by a rookie in league history.

Off the court, the guard has helped attract new fans to the sport, with WNBA attendances soaring as a result.

However, Clark’s playoff debut didn’t go as planned on Sunday, with the Fever being thrashed 93-69 by the Connecticut Sun in Game 1.

Clark and the Fever will look to extend the series in Game 2 against the Sun on Wednesday in Connecticut at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Caitlin Clark Suffered a Black Eye in Her First WNBA Playoff Game vs. Sun

Clark was poked in the eye in her playoff debut.

Caitlin Clark on the ground after getting hit in the eye.Caitlin Clark on the ground after getting hit in the eye. / Mark Smith-Imagn Images

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Caitlin Clark made her WNBA playoff debut on Sunday afternoon against the Connecticut Sun. It was a very welcoming crowd considering it was on the road, but Clark struggled from the field early and the Sun jumped out to a lead in the second quarter and never looked back.

In addition to struggling with her shot, Clark took a poke in the eye early in the game from DiJonai Carrington. Clark was passing the ball when Carrington got her in the face. No foul was called and by the end of the game a black eye had developed.

You may recall that Clark and Carrington had a run-in earlier this season when the Sun player mocked Clark for flopping.

It should serve as a reminder of the result as the Fever prepare for Game 2 where they will try and extend their season.