Caitlin Clark’s optimistic assessment following Fever’s much-needed hiatus
After a four-day vacation, can Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever be able to recover?
Written by Erin AchenbachAt 6:20 p.m. ET on June 6, 2024
Player with the Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark
After a difficult start to the 2024 season, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever were able to take four days off this week to recuperate and rejuvenate. Even though Clark won the May WNBA Rookie of the Month award, she and her teammates have had a difficult season to begin with due to a rigorous schedule, little practice time, and constant attention from rivals and the media.
Asked what she did during the break before going back to practice on Wednesday, Clark replied, “I think honestly just getting away from basketball, getting some sleep, taking care of my body,” as reported by Michael Marot of the Associated Press. “I play point guard, so I haven’t had a lot of practice with my team. It’s really difficult to manage an offense when you don’t have a lot of practice time together.”
In terms of statistics, Clark’s WNBA debut has been outstanding. In her first six games, she had surpassed 100 points, 30 rebounds, and 30 assists, making her just the third player in league history to do so. In terms of scoring (17.6 points), assists (6.6), field goals (46) and free throws (42) she tops this year’s rookie class. In this time, she has even tied Diana Taurasi’s record of 24 made 3-pointers.
Her stellar start hasn’t been without difficulties, either. Clark has committed the most turnovers (59) in the league, been flagged for technical fouls in three straight home games, and voiced his displeasure with calls in public. The national attention has been generated by the Fever’s 2-9 record and the tough play she has experienced, which included a noteworthy altercation with Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter. Coach Geno Auriemma of UConn stated that he thinks Clark is being “beat up” and “targeted.”
Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell said, “She’s a human and I think she deserves to give herself some grace, and I think a lot of people around this world should, too.” She is not just human, but officially a 22-year-old child, and I believe that as she transitions, she will go through certain experiences that come with time. I believe that she deserves some grace from the world.
Hopeful Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever’s relationship gets better.
Guard Caitlin Clark, 22, of the Indiana Fever, is welcomed by her teammates before the New York Liberty team is introduced.
Copyright USA TODAY Sports/Wendell Cruz
The incessant schedule of the Fever hasn’t helped either. With two back-to-backs in a single week and three of the four games being played on the road, Indiana’s initial schedule was the most condensed since the Washington Mystics in 2007. The team played 11 games in 20 days. They are 2-3 versus other clubs and 0-6 against the top three teams in the league. There has been continual criticism despite almost every game being shown nationally. Clark is getting used to the demands of the WNBA after finishing his 39-game college career less than two months ago.
Christie Sides, the coach of the Fever, remarked, “I don’t know if I’ve experienced anything like it in my 12 years of coaching in this league.” “Just to have that grueling schedule with back-to-back games against the league’s top two teams.” It’s simply very difficult. When your team is going through something similar, you just have to hold them together.
With Clark in the spotlight, the Fever—who haven’t made it to the playoffs since 2016—are enjoying increased attention. High television ratings and sellouts have resulted from her appearances. The average home audience has increased to 16,571 and home ticket sales for the Fever’s first five games have already topped the 20-game total from the previous season. In order to accommodate Clark’s supporters, opponents have even moved games to bigger locations.
But the cost of the season is clear. Clark has almost equaled her total number of losses from the previous two collegiate seasons, and occasionally, she and her teammates have seemed out of sync. The additional duties in the media have also proven taxing.
Noting that Indiana hadn’t practiced in three weeks, Clark stated, “Hopefully we’ll continue to grow our connection a little bit better.” Chemistry hadn’t been there. We haven’t shot it as well as we would have liked, so perhaps we’ll get a little more footing and make a couple more pictures. However, I believe that generally, only our working relationship and chemistry will improve.
Erin Achenbach is the Lead Women’s Sports Editor at ClutchPoints, where she advocates for media representation and coverage of women’s sports. After completing her studies at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, the St. Louis native has been covering local news for the past five years.
