Caitlin Clark has built her reputation on fearless deep shooting – she’s already attempted 71 shots from beyond 24 feet this season, hitting 23 at a respectable 32%. But every great shooter hits a rough patch, and Clark is currently in one.
Over her last two games, she’s gone just 1-for-17 from three-point range, prompting growing concern in Indiana Fever circles. Still, one WNBA analyst suggests the bigger issue may not be her mechanics – but her mindset.
Rachel DeMita, host of Courtside Club, broke down Clark’s performance in the Fever’s 89-81 loss to the Las Vegas Aces. Clark shot 7-of-20 overall and 1-for-10 from long distance. “This is so unlike her,” DeMita noted. What truly stood out wasn’t a missed shot – it was a decision.
Clark, unguarded at the top of the arc, passed to Aaliyah Boston instead of shooting. “That’s the first time I’ve seen her pass up an open three,” DeMita said. “And I hated it because I hope it’s not mental – a mental block is harder to fix than a cold streak.”
Pressure is building. The only other time Clark struggled this much was before her quad injury in May, when she ended a 140-game streak with at least one made three. But while the spotlight grows hotter, DeMita warned fans to give grace. “We don’t know what’s going on inside her head. The last thing she needs is fans turning on her.”
Despite her struggles from deep, Clark still finished with 19 points and 11 assists. Boston led with 26, and Kelsey Mitchell added 20. But turnovers defined the game – Clark committed eight, her most since her injury against the Liberty.
Critics piled on, with Dave Portnoy calling it “as bad a half as I’ve seen her have,” and Jason Whitlock stating, “She’s shook since the Barbie Brawl.”
Fame and frustration: The weight of stardom
Still, Clark’s presence continues to elevate the entire league. The Fever’s recent game against New York drew 2.2 million average viewers and peaked at 2.8 million – the third-most watched WNBA game ever on ABC. ESPN’s WNBA coverage is up 14% year-over-year, largely driven by Clark.
That attention is both blessing and burden. Even brief appearances from bench players like Brianna Turner are dissected when shared court time with Clark leads to mistakes. Yet all five Fever starters rank in the top 40 of All-Star voting – a testament to Clark’s magnetic pull.
She’s being compared to Michael Jordan – a standard that demands perfection. But for Clark to lead, she first has to breathe, and then shoot.
Read the full article here
