Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have begun their WNBA season in contrasting yet compelling ways. Clark, who is in her secon season with Indiana Fever, boasts a 1-1 record in her first two games, averaging over 20 points and 10 assists. She started her season with a bang against the Chicago Sky and Angel Reese, drawing the most viewers in 25 years for a WNBA game. The game was highlighted by a controversial technical foul on Reese.
Meanwhile, Bueckers, who is just three games in, has already surpassed Clark’s output from last season in her initial outings, though she lags in scoring with no 20-point games compared to Clark’s two. However, Bueckers notched her first 10-assist game earlier than Clark, who didn’t reach that milestone until her 18th game. These early performances set the stage for a rivalry that has been brewing since their college days and is now intensified by their professional matchups.
Clark’s Response to Inevitable Comparisons
In a recent interview with Bustle, Caitlin Clark addressed the inevitable comparisons to Paige Bueckers. She acknowledged that the media will “always” pit her against her opponents. “You just have to believe in yourself, believe in your abilities, and have confidence in what you’re going to do,” Clark said. She emphasized that it’s not about comparing oneself to others, but rather, contributing to the team and achieving personal growth.
This sentiment echoes Bueckers’s earlier comments in a TIME interview, in which she described Clark as a “phenomenal player” but added, “We’re also completely different players.” Bueckers added that such comparisons are “good for the game,” as both players are focused on being the best versions of themselves. However, Clark’s most heated rivalry remains with Angel Reese, following a flagrant foul in their recent matchup, which has added another layer to her narrative.
For the WNBA and the media to create a good rivalry for Caitlin Clark, it would be better to do so with Bueckers than with Angel Reese. Their playing styles and positions are similar, unlike Reese, who is a center whose biggest asset is defense. I’m not trying to create controversy, but I can see Bueckers and Clark going head to head in the upcoming years.
Looking Ahead to a Defining Matchup
Their June 27 game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where Clark and Bueckers will face off, is still weeks away, but the anticipation is already building. By then, Bueckers will have had more time to adapt to the demands of the WNBA, a luxury that Clark now enjoys. This could potentially heighten the stakes of their encounter.
Both players excel in ball-handling and three-point shooting, as well as assisting. These traits make them respected leaders on their teams. Their game on at the end of June will be a showcase of their individual strengths and team dynamics.
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