Caitlin Clark admits to being taken aback by WNBA break and the immediate return to fast-paced play.
Rookie Caitlin Clark openly admitted that it took her some time to adjust to the game speed during Indiana Fever’s first game after the long Olympic break on Friday. The 22-year-old Clark led the Fever to a 98-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The former Iowa superstar notched her 10th double-double of the season, leading Indiana to a 3-0 season sweep of Phoenix in the ongoing regular season.
When asked about adjusting to live game speed after weeks off, Clark responded with an honest answer.
“I called for a sub six minutes in, if I’m being honest,” Clark told the media after the game.
“I was like, holy cow… I was like I need a quick minute here (laughing), because we were playing fast and then my defense isn’t as good and is kind of a liability for my team. So, just gotta get a second to breathe,” the Fever point guard added.
Clark put on a spectacular performance during the Fever’s first game post the Olympic break. The two-time Rookie of the Month award winner captivated the home crowd with several jaw-dropping plays, including a spectacular cross-court pass to Kelsey Mitchell from beyond the half-court line.
Caitlin Clark credits practice for remaining in good shape
Caitlin Clark showed no signs of fatigue during the game, consistently making plays for her team. Whether it was scoring or playmaking, the Indiana Fever rookie excelled against the Phoenix Mercury and appeared sharp.
The former Iowa star credited the intense practice sessions leading up to the Mercury game for keeping the players in good shape.
“Getting back to game shape has been pretty easy,” Clark continued.
“We have been competing really hard at practice… we have been playing live and just been scrimmaging and that is the best way to stay in basketball shape; just play live basketball. Obviously it is really hard to replicate it in a real game. Felt good to get back out there,” the 22-year-old added.
Clark played 35:43 minutes against the Mercury and scored 29 points on 50% shooting from the field, including 36.4% from the 3-point range.
The Fever point guard dished out 10 assists, grabbed five rebounds and made nine of her 10 free throws.
On the back of Clark’s phenomenal performance, Indiana improved to a 12-15 record on the season.
Edited by Atishay Jain
