While it was not a slow start, Caitlin Clark didn't get off the gates running in her WNBA career. But as the season has progressed, the rookie sensation of the Indiana Fever has found her footing. She is making an impact on both ends of the court, pushing her team to the brink of a playoff appearance.
The jump from college to professional basketball is no easy feat, especially when adapting to the WNBA's physicality. Much like their counterparts, competition at this level is tough, with players essentially fighting for their livelihoods. It isn't rare to see an elbow or two thrown around now and then, and Clark has quickly learned to hold her own in these situations.
According to WNBA legend Sue Bird , Caitlin getting "it" is causing trouble for her opponents and the rest of the league.
Caitlin has settled in
Although the former Iowa superstar put up admirable numbers, averaging 17.6 points and 6.6 assists per game in her first nine outings, those didn't translate to victories for Indiana, which went 1-8 during that stretch. Clark also didn't shoot the ball efficiently, making only 37 percent of her shots, including 32 percent from beyond the arc.
However, her efficiency and confidence improved as she received more repetitions and gained more experience. She became more comfortable with the pace and physicality of the game and found her teammates on the floor. Since returning from the mid-season break, Caitlin has averaged 26.0 points and 9.5 assists per game, including a stellar 29-point, ten-assist performance in a win against Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury.
"She's also figuring it out and settling in. She's definitely getting used to the hits and the physical play, and like what refs are going to call, what they're not going to call. And you've seen her adjust in that way too," Bird reassured, emphasizing Caitlin's increasing comfort in the WNBA.
Caitlin's intense competitive nature is also on display. She refuses to back down from anyone, whether it's a seasoned veteran like Taurasi or a newcomer like Angel Reese.
"She got blocked pretty bad by E (Ezi Magbegor), took a little bit of a splat, and like, yeah, I'm sure she was a little pissed, but she kind of got up, took the lick, and got back," Sue said.
"Whereas earlier in the season, I think it would have impacted her a little bit more. So she's definitely getting used to it, which is, you know, trouble for everybody else. That's why I don't want to see her," Bird added, referring to teams that could match up against the Fever in the playoffs.
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Defenses aren't as tight anymore
Whereas defenses earlier this season were locked in on Caitlin, even going as far as picking her up full court, Sue has noticed this isn't the case anymore, which is allowing the talented 22-year-old to clearly see the floor and push the ball upcourt without much resistance. This newfound freedom has also allowed for a higher assist toll, as her court vision is on full display. In her last nine games, Caitlin is averaging 11.8 assists per game.
"What you're seeing is Caitlyn now is able to push the ball up the floor, she's able to hit those get-ahead passes. And so I won't be surprised if, as the season gets later into playoff runs, you start to see teams do more, and you're definitely going to see it in the playoffs. But everybody—that's why you had to pick Caitlyn up full court. This is why. The numbers she's putting up now," Bird asserted.
Caitlin is a generational talent who is getting the hang of playing in the WNBA after dominating the NCAA for so long. Her transition to the pros wasn't smooth. Still, with her impressive skill set and basketball IQ, she's now excelling at the next level and making an even grander impact with her newfound freedom on the court.
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