Fever's Clark has 'different sense of confidence' entering Year 2

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has put her rookie season behind her and is focusing on the task at hand as she begins Year 2 in the WNBA.

"You show up in a new chapter of your life (as a rookie). You're trying to prove to yourself - to everybody - that you belong, and you're trying to find your way," Clark said, according to ESPN's Michael Voepel. "When you come into your second season. ... You know what the coach expects of you, you know your teammates, you know how things operate. You just have a different sense of confidence about you."

Clark was named Rookie of the Year after averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league-high 8.4 assists. However, her first season didn't get off to the best start, as Indiana lost on opening night to the Connecticut Sun and began the year 1-8.

"Honestly, I don't even really remember last year's (opener)," Clark said. "Maybe that's a good thing. I think (this year) it's just going out there and having fun and being confident. I've been in this league for a year now. I know I belong. I know I can perform, and I can make my teammates better every single night. And that's my job."

Clark guided the Fever to a 20-20 record and their first playoff appearance since 2016, though Connecticut swept Indiana in the first round.

The 23-year-old is now more prepared for the ups and downs of a season.

"Not everything's gonna be perfect," Clark said. "Give yourself grace. There's gonna be really good moments. There's gonna be moments where you struggle. So just trying to stay as neutral as I can and stay positive. ... I've been in these moments before, and I'm ready for them."

The Fever will open the new campaign Saturday against the Chicago Sky.