These months have been some of the best in WNBA history, with ratings skyrocketing, sales booming, and arenas packed to the rafters. A big reason behind this surge? None other than Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever (11-14). After a rocky start with a 1-8 record in the first month, the Fever found their rhythm and have gone 10-6 since June, now sitting comfortably third in the Eastern Conference standings behind the New York Liberty (20-4) and Connecticut Sun (18-5).
Clark’s influence on the court is undeniable. Sure, she led the league in turnovers (5.6 per game) at the start—who doesn’t love a bit of drama?—but her playmaking magic has been a game-changer for her team. Leading the league in assists with an impressive 7.8 per game as a rookie? Now, that’s a plot twist even Hollywood couldn’t script!
In the Fever’s 81-74 victory over the Minnesota Lynx (16-8), Clark decided to put the icing on the cake with a heartfelt gesture. She handed her game sneakers to a young fan, creating an unforgettable moment for the lucky recipient. And let’s be real, that kid from Minnesota now has a future goldmine—or at least a story that’ll trump any “What I did last summer” essay.
These types of moments are why people adore Clark. The girl from Minnesota, who may never fit those sneakers, has a memory that’ll grow with her—and maybe even fetch a good price on eBay someday. Or perhaps she’ll wear them and experience a “Like Mike” transformation, because why not add a little fantasy to the mix?
Clark isn’t just inspiring the next generation; she’s pulling in fans from all age brackets. Take the 90-year-old lady who attended her first WNBA game just to watch Clark score 17 points. Although it was Aliyah Boston with 17 points and 16 rebounds who stole the show for the Fever, Clark’s magic was unmistakable.
Clark: The WNBA’s Assist Leader Extraordinaire
Clark’s willingness to assist both on and off the court has made her a standout figure in the league. Even on an off day, her six assists against Minnesota were the fewest in her last eight games, where she had consistently been racking up double-digit assists. This streak has boosted her average and solidified her status as the WNBA’s top assister, while her nearly 17 points per game make her an offensive powerhouse.
Looking ahead, the Fever have a date with the Dallas Wings (5-19) before the league takes a break for the All-Star Game and the Olympics. Clark, not participating in the Olympics, will have a chance to bask in her achievements during this downtime. With 14 games left in the season, she and her team have their eyes set on a playoff spot—a feat the Fever haven’t accomplished since 2016, back when Clark was just 14 years old.
So, for those critics labeling Clark as a “diva,” take a seat and watch the show. She’s not just proving them wrong—she’s doing it with a flair and grace that’s making the WNBA more exciting than ever.