Video: Caitlin Clark Celebrates Maya Moore and Reflects on Fever's Loss vs. Lynx

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark savored the opportunity to play in front of Maya Moore during her team's 90-80 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday.

The Lynx retired Moore's No. 23 jersey on Saturday night, an honor befitting her status as one of the greatest players in WNBA history. The 35-year-old was the 2014 MVP, a six-time All-Star and four-time champion before walking away after the 2018 season to focus on focus on social activism.

"It's awesome. It's cool," Clark told reporters of the occasion. "I think it's a great environment for her. She definitely deserves it. And obviously, they had tremendous crowds when she was here playing and they won the Finals a few times."

The 2024 No. 1 overall pick added that "you gotta pinch yourself at times" to take the court in front of a "childhood idol."

The Lynx led for the majority of the contest to ensure they celebrated Moore in style. Napheesa Collier had 21 points and five rebounds, while Bridget Carleton and Kayla McBride each knocked down four three-pointers.

Clark and Kelsey Mitchell's 44 combined points weren't enough to get the job done for Indiana.

Clark said the Fever simply didn't have an answer for Collier, who was out with an injury when the teams last met in July.

"There was a few times she made a few shots and I caught like myself like, 'Damn, can't guard that,'" the first-year star said. "And I don't really do that often."

In terms of the Fever's offense, Clark lamented how few scoring chances Aliyah Boston was afforded, particularly late in the contest. The 6'5" forward only had one shot attempt in the fourth quarter.

The Fever and Lynx will have their rubber match Sept. 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.