Clark leads in two key statistics.
Being the top scorer in NCAA history has its challenges, and Caitlin Clark knows this well. Since joining the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, she’s faced criticism: that she’s a failure, not cut out for professional play, not physically equipped to face more experienced players, undeserving of her attention, and so on.
However, the reality is that the Des Moines native is making a significant impact on her team. Although the Fever has yet to win this season, it’s not Clark’s fault but rather due to tactical issues and a lack of focus from several teammates.
The numbers support her performance: with just four professional games, Caitlin Clark leads the Indiana Fever in points scored and assists. So far, averaging 31 minutes per game, Clark has an average of 17 points and 5.5 assists.
And she’s supposed to be the rookie. Where are her more experienced teammates? Clark’s 17 PPG are 5.2 points higher than her closest competitor on the team, fellow guard Kelsey Mitchell, who averages 11.8, followed by NaLyssa Smith with 10.5. And where does forward Aliyah Boston rank?
Clark nearly doubles Boston’s points per game, who averages 9.5. However, Boston excels defensively, leading the Fever with an average of 7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
The first win is near
Regarding assists, Clark averages 5.5 per game, nearly double that of her teammate Erica Wheeler, who averages 2.8. She is followed by Kelsey Mitchell and Kristy Wallace, both averaging 2.0 assists per game.
So, if Clark is the leader in points, why hasn’t the Fever won? There are several reasons, including the team’s adjustment to Clark’s style of play, multiple missed shots by several teammates, and more.
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But improvement is happening. In their most recent game against the Connecticut Sun, Clark and company put up a strong fight, nearly defeating one of the league’s best teams, losing 88-84. With 10 seconds left, Fever head coach Christie Sides opted to put the ball in Boston’s hands, who missed an easy lay up, leaving the team no time to react.
However, the Clark effect is becoming noticeable, and it’s only a matter of time before that long-awaited first victory arrives for the most beloved and talked-about player in the United States.
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Source: USA Today
