Caitlin Clark’s impressive performance in the WNBA is drawing attention not just for her scoring but for the enhanced play of her teammates. LSU coach Kim Mulkey praised Clark’s ability to elevate those around her, a statement that resonates with her significant contributions to the Indiana Fever. Under her influence, players like Lexie Hull have reached career-high scoring, while the team’s overall performance has improved markedly compared to last season. Statistical analysis shows that many Fever players shoot notably better when Clark is on the floor, highlighting her impact as a playmaker.
- Aliyah Boston’s effective field goal percentage improves from 42.3% without Clark to 54.8% with her (+12.5%).
- Caitlin Clark leads the league with 121 assists for layups, significantly ahead of the second-place Alyssa Thomas (81 assists).
Yes, But
Some analysts caution that while shooting numbers have improved with Clark, certain fluctuations may stem from short-term luck rather than consistent performance. This raises questions about how much of the improvement can be directly attributed to her influence versus other factors fluctuating throughout the season.
State of Play
- The Fever currently hold a record of 13-15, up from 13-27 the previous season.
- Clark has quickly developed chemistry with teammates like Boston, as evidenced by their record-setting assists connection.
What’s Next
As the season progresses, the Fever’s performance will likely hinge on Clark’s ability to maintain her playmaking prowess and assist numbers. Continued engagement from teammates leveraging her skill set will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Bottom Line
Caitlin Clark is not just excelling individually; she’s redefining teammate performance in the WNBA. Her unique ability to create high-quality scoring opportunities significantly enhances those around her, solidifying her status as a generational player in the league.
