Caitlin Clark: Raising the Game

A commemoration of Caitlin Clark’s meteoric career at Iowa and evaluation of the start of her WNBA rookie season.

Caitlin Clark’s journey in the WNBA has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Even as Indiana struggled against top-tier teams, Coach Christie Sides remained optimistic, predicting future success. Her insights proved accurate as the Fever turned things around post-May. Now, with a scorching 8-3 run and one of the highest offensive ratings in the league, Indiana is a force to be reckoned with.

Clark’s transformation is pivotal. She’s averaging 24.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.3 assists post-Olympics, showing increased patience and strength. This allows her to maneuver through traps efficiently and drive through traffic, making her a dual-threat both inside and beyond the arc. Her game-changing ability has reshaped the Fever’s strategy.

Similarly, the chemistry between Clark and reigning Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston has flourished. Boston has adjusted her style to fit Clark’s pick-and-roll dynamics, becoming more versatile and effective. These adjustments, alongside Clark’s significant improvements, have honed Indiana’s offense to perfection.

Kelsey Mitchell’s revival has been crucial. Post-injury, her synergy with Clark has heightened, elevating their offensive capabilities. Mitchell’s agility and constant motion create spaces for Clark to exploit, making the duo lethal.

The Fever’s refined rotation has also helped. Early-season struggles led to a reevaluation, with key players like Lexie Hull emerging more prominently. Simplifying the decision-making process, with Clark and Boston as primary handlers, has fortified their offensive schemes.

Indiana capitalized on their talented draft picks, refining their strategies to showcase Clark at her best. The Fever, with a clearly defined roster and role distribution, are now playoff contenders, turning their season around impressively.

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