Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will return to the court in less than two weeks, following the WNBA’s sabbatical for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Following a recent practice session, Clark spoke with the media about her expectations for the rest of the season.
Clark recognized that the break had helped her recover from the physical strains of the season.
“I’m just going to try to come back and compete and hopefully have a little more legs under me,”Clark said.
“Get a bit more rest under me… I feel eager to get back out there and play, but that’s probably because that’s all I’ve known for the past few years.”
The rookie sensation has been a major character in women’s basketball, having been a standout player for the Iowa Hawkeyes between 2020 and 2024.
Clark joins the WNBA as the first pick in the 2024 draft, with high expectations as a “generational talent.”
Despite the strain, Clark has had a standout rookie season, averaging 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game, leading the Fever in both categories.
She and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese are the only rookies named to the Team WNBA All-Star game roster.
Caitlin Clark aims to win the Rookie of the Year award
Clark emphasized her eagerness to return to competition while also hinting at the ongoing Rookie of the Year argument with Reese.
Reese is now a significant player for the Sky, averaging 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
The Fever’s current focus is to make the playoffs.
The Fever have not been to the playoffs since 2016, when former MVP and 10-time All-Star Tamika Catchings was still on the team.
Over the last seven seasons, the squad has only twice achieved double-digit victories, with a maximum of 13 wins in any given season.
With 26 games down and 14 to left in 2024, the Fever are 11-15, good for seventh place among eight teams that made the postseason.
They are virtually tied with the Chicago Sky (10-14) for eighth place, but have a little advantage in percentage points.
They also have a three-game lead over the ninth-place Atlanta Dream (7-17).
As the WNBA season continues, the Fever hope to strengthen their defense and make a solid postseason run, with Clark leading the way.
Clark will have the opportunity to assess her post-break performance on August 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET, when the Fever face the Phoenix Mercury.
Leave a Reply