Kelsey Mitchell Makes Her Feelings on Caitlin Clark's Adjustments in WNBA Extremely Clear

Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA with many questioning her transition after being the top draft pick from Iowa.

Now, three months into her rookie season, she has quelled the skeptics with her record-breaking performances and a developing style of play.

Despite a tough beginning, including a debut with 10 turnovers, Clark has markedly enhanced her assist-to-turnover ratio. She shattered the WNBA's single-season rookie assist record, exceeding Ticha Penicheiro's longstanding record of 232 assists, set 26 years ago. Additionally, Clark established a new league record by delivering 19 assists in one game.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has spoken about the team's adjustments to integrate the rookie star, emphasizing the reciprocal adaptations necessary for triumph in the WNBA.

“You have to adjust,” Mitchell said, describing the learning process with Clark, as reported by Michael Marot of the Associated Press.

“She had to transition as a pro, and we had to give her what she needs, be a resource and fill those gaps in. She's one of those players where her (basketball) IQ is going to take us a lot of places, so you've got to figure out where you fit in, knowing how to read and adjust off of her.”

The Fever's performance has enhanced in tandem with Clark's growth. Following a start where they lost eight of their first nine games, Indiana has secured a 12-7 record, reinforcing their playoff standing.

Coach Christie Sides attributes this reversal of fortunes to several adjustments made during the Olympic break, notably encouraging Clark to take a leadership role in directing her teammates in practice sessions.

“There were a lot of times during drills where they were running certain offenses and I would tell (Clark), and only her, so she would have to tell the players what we’re running or where to go,” Sides said. “I would throw some things out there, some sets we hadn’t run so she had to think it through and put people in the right position.”

Clark is an agreement, believing the chemistry has benefitted from her adjustments.

“I think it's just been developing the chemistry with my teammates where they can see it and be on the same page,” she said. “Now you see people cutting in fast breaks or Kelsey making a backdoor cut. It's having that chemistry that's unspoken.”

As Indiana vies for a playoff position, Clark's ongoing progress and her teammates' flexibility will be key. With 12 games left in the regular season, the Fever (13-15) are looking to leverage their enhanced team dynamic and Clark's playmaking skills to clinch a spot in the postseason.

Related: WNBA Legend Sue Bird Points Out Scariest Quality of Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark-Kelsey Mitchell Duo