Caitlin Clark’s Jaw-Dropping First Half Leaves Brianna Stewart—and the WNBA—in Awe

Every so often, a basketball performance comes along that simply defies belief—even for those who have seen it all. That’s exactly what happened when Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever faced the New York Liberty, with Clark putting on a first-half display so electric that even the reigning MVP, Brianna Stewart, could only laugh in disbelief.

The First-Half Firestorm

From the opening tip, it was clear Caitlin Clark was on a mission. She didn’t just score—she orchestrated. Clark opened with a smooth assist, then quickly followed it up with a floater and a dazzling pass to Aliyah Boston. The Fever’s offense sputtered briefly when she was subbed out, but as soon as Clark returned, the fireworks started.

By the end of the first half, Clark had poured in 25 points. The highlight reel was endless: logo threes, step-backs from 30 feet, and a series of quick-trigger shots that seemed to break the laws of basketball physics. At one point, she drilled back-to-back bombs from way beyond the arc, leaving defenders like Marine Johannès and even Stewart herself shaking their heads.

Stewart Steps Up—But Even She’s Left Speechless

Brianna Stewart, known as “Stewie,” is no stranger to big defensive assignments. As the Liberty tried to slow Clark down, Stewart took on the challenge. But Clark’s shooting was so audacious, so far out, that even Stewart—one of the league’s best defenders—was rendered helpless at times.

There was a moment that summed up the night: Clark, guarded tightly by Stewart, launched another deep three. As the shot splashed through, Stewart could only smirk and exchange a knowing glance with Clark. It was the look of a superstar recognizing another’s moment of transcendence. ESPN and Bleacher Report were quick to share the clip, with even LeBron James chiming in online about Clark’s performance.

The Trash Talk and the Smiles

It wasn’t just the shooting that stood out; it was the swagger. After drilling a logo three, Clark gave a little trash talk—nothing malicious, just the kind of competitive fire that makes the greats so fun to watch. Stewart, rather than bristling, laughed it off. When you’re witnessing something historic, sometimes all you can do is smile.

The mutual respect was obvious. Stewart tried everything, locking in on defense—something she doesn’t always have to do in the regular season. But Clark was simply “psycho in the best way possible,” as one observer put it. She was on a heater that even Stewart, a generational talent herself, had to tip her cap to.

Defensive Effort—And Clark’s Growth

One underappreciated part of Clark’s night was her defense. While she’s not known as a stopper, Clark competed hard, fought over screens, and held her own. She might not be an elite defender yet, but her effort and improvement were noticeable—putting her, arguably, in the league-average range.

A Performance for the Ages

It wasn’t just Liberty fans or Stewart who were left in awe. WNBA Twitter exploded, with fans and analysts struggling to find comparisons. Some likened it to the best stretches by Paige Bueckers or other college stars, but Clark’s combination of range, confidence, and playmaking felt singular.

The Liberty, for all their championship pedigree, simply couldn’t keep up. Even when they made adjustments, Clark found ways to break their schemes—either creating for herself or bending the defense until a teammate got a wide-open look.

The Evolution of Respect

It’s wild to consider how much the narrative has changed in just a year. Last season, Stewart was openly skeptical about Clark’s all-around game and rookie credentials. Now, after being on the receiving end of one of Clark’s signature performances, Stewart’s body language told a different story—one of respect, admiration, and a little bit of awe.

The Bigger Picture

Clark’s performance was more than just a hot shooting night. It was a demonstration of how a singular talent can change the geometry of the floor, force even the best defenders into uncomfortable positions, and inject energy into an entire league. The mutual respect between Clark and Stewart—two superstars at different points in their careers—was a reminder of what makes sports special.

Sometimes, all you can do is laugh, shake your head, and appreciate greatness as it happens. For Stewart and the Liberty, this game will sting. But for fans, it was a glimpse of the future—and a night that will be talked about for years to come.

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