Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have dreams of carving their name into WNBA history with championship victories — but the journey to glory is proving arduous. In her debut season, Clark, the ex-Iowa Hawkeyes standout, is encountering a blend of controversy and mounting frustration.
The Fever’s recent 104-68 defeat to the New York Liberty saw their record plummet to 2-9, making it the second-worst in the league. Indiana’s schedule has been particularly grueling, having already faced top-tier teams like the Liberty, the Connecticut Sun, and the Las Vegas Aces. This tough stretch is visibly taking its toll on Clark.
Clark Battles Exhaustion from Grueling Schedule
Following Sunday’s loss, the Fever embarked on a five-day hiatus, concluding Friday night with a clash against the 0-9 Washington Mystics. This break offers Clark a critical period to rest and recuperate from the demanding start of the season.
“Honestly, just stepping back from basketball a bit,” Clark mentioned on Wednesday, discussing her focus during the break. “Catching up on sleep, getting some rest, and taking care of my body.”
The Fever’s early games with Clark reveal the considerable distance Indiana needs to cover to compete with the WNBA’s elite. Clark and forward Aliyah Boston are yet to establish a solid on-court synergy, and with 11 games in the first 30 days of the season, the intense schedule is particularly taxing on Clark, who only recently concluded her college career.
Clark is grappling with the physicality of the professional league; at 22, she lacks the seasoned experience and physical robustness to navigate through contact easily. Despite challenges with turnovers and shooting efficiency, Clark averages 15.6 points and 6.4 assists per game. The upcoming game against Washington presents an opportunity for Clark to help steer Indiana back on course.