Could Caitlin Clark’s omission from the U.S. Olympic team for the 2024 Paris Games actually be a blessing in disguise? After an electric NCAA career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she became college basketball’s all-time leading scorer, the 6-foot point guard was the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, chosen by the Indiana Fever. There, she’ll team up with 2023’s No. 1 pick, Aliyah Boston, both at just 22 years old and brimming with potential.
This past Friday, the Fever faced off against the Phoenix Mercury in their first game since July, with a sold-out crowd of 17,274 cheering them on. The WNBA held a break to support the 12 All-Stars preparing for the Olympics, but Clark and Boston didn’t make the cut.
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However, the break seemed to benefit Clark immensely. In a thrilling 98-89 victory, she lit up the scoreboard with 29 points, shooting 8-of-16 from the field, including 4-of-11 from three-point range, and hitting 9-of-10 free throws. Additionally, she dished out 10 assists, showcasing her playmaking skills.
Teammate Kelsey Mitchell also shined, adding 28 points, while Boston contributed 14 of her own.
This win boosted the Fever’s record to 12-15, just a notch below the Mercury, who fell to 14-13. With the season nearing the playoffs, every game matters for these teams.
NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett offered an interesting perspective on Clark’s Olympic absence. In a tweet, he suggested that her time off could serve as an offseason adjustment that many rookies in the WNBA typically miss out on. He was clearly impressed with her performance, stating, “Can tell she was in the film room.”
What if @CaitlinClark22’s Olympic break was the off season adjustment for the league that @wnba rookies don’t get before their 1st season… shyt looked crazy out there yesterday… 💯
Can tell she was in the film room…
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) August 17, 2024
With the playoffs on the horizon, it seems like Clark is rising to the occasion. She’s been impressive all season and is in a tight race for Rookie of the Year honors alongside her former rival, Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky. Both players are making waves as All-Stars in their inaugural seasons—a feat not seen since 2014.
This season, Clark averages 17.6 points per game with impressive shooting stats (.409/.329/.892), leading the league with 8.3 assists alongside 5.8 rebounds and contributing defensively with 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks.
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