INDIANAPOLIS — Breanna Stewart spoiled Caitlin Clark’s much-anticipated regular-season home debut by scoring 31 points, leading the New York Liberty to a commanding 102-66 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 17,247 on Thursday night.


Clark’s debut was the most anticipated in Indianapolis since Peyton Manning’s in 1998, but she fell short of expectations, struggling with foul trouble for the second consecutive game. The rookie ended the night with nine points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three turnovers, a marked improvement from her 10 turnovers on Tuesday night. Clark shot 2 of 8 from the field, including 1 of 7 from beyond the arc.


Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones each contributed 14 points for New York, with Jones also grabbing 10 rebounds. This victory marked the Liberty's eighth consecutive win over Indiana. 


Aliyah Boston led Indiana with 12 points and 10 rebounds.


Fans gathered in large numbers for Clark's home game debut, but the Liberty dominated, making it tough for Indiana. Stewart helped New York establish control early, leading 25-16 after the first quarter. Although the Fever cut the deficit to 32-27 midway through the second quarter, Stewart responded with four points, sparking a 12-0 run that extended New York's lead to 44-27 by late in the first half.


Indiana showed some fight, closing the third quarter with a 12-point run, including seven from Clark, reducing the gap to 67-56. However, the Liberty opened the fourth quarter with another 12-0 run, sealing their second consecutive victory.


The game drew notable attendees, including Clark’s former Iowa teammates and coaches. Ex-Hawkeyes guard Gabbie Marshall posed for a photo with Clark after her first home preseason game last week. On Thursday, former coach Lisa Bluder, who retired on Monday, and new Hawkeyes coach Jan Jensen were present to support Clark.