The Indiana Fever have been on a steady climb this season, picking up momentum and victories. But even as the team improves, rookie sensation Caitlin Clark is battling a persistent issue – her long-distance shooting when playing on the road.
Clark, who came into the WNBA with a reputation as one of the best deep shooters in college basketball history, has not yet translated that part of her game consistently into the pro level – especially when away from home.
The Fever notched an impressive 85-77 victory over the Connecticut Sun one of the top teams in the league, on Tuesday,.
The win marked a significant statement, showcasing Indiana’s growing chemistry and resilience. Clark contributed with her passing and pace, even as her shooting woes continued, helping orchestrate a balanced offensive attack.
Clark’s three-point shooting on the road has been alarmingly poor. In five recent away games, Clark has made just 2 of 35 attempts from beyond the arc. That’s a success rate of 5.7 percent, a figure almost unrecognizable for someone known for her elite range.
Here’s a breakdown of her three-point shooting in those five road matchups:
- 0-for-5
- 0-for-7
- 1-for-10
- 0-for-6
- 1-for-7
These numbers are a stark contrast to her performance at home, where she has hit 27 three-pointers, making Gainbridge Fieldhouse a much friendlier venue for her shooting stroke.
Clark’s road woes vs. Fever resilience
Despite Clark’s clear struggles from deep in these away games, the Fever have managed to come out on top in three of the five contests. That’s an encouraging sign for the team’s depth and adaptability.
It shows that even without her three-point efficiency, the Fever are finding ways to win, whether it be through defense, interior play, or contributions from other players on the roster.
This balance is especially important as Indiana pushes for a playoff spot in a competitive WNBA season. Clark still contributes in other ways – her playmaking, court vision, and ball-handling remain elite. She’s been able to draw defenders, create space for teammates, and often leads the team in assists.
But the poor shooting numbers on the road do raise legitimate questions. Is it fatigue from travel? Adjusting to different backdrops and lighting in unfamiliar arenas? Or is it simply a rookie learning curve against tougher, faster defenders at the pro level?
Whatever the reason, Clark and the Fever coaching staff will undoubtedly be examining ways to get her back in rhythm.
Indiana unaffected by Clark slump
And it’s not just a statistical concern. Caitlin Clark’s game-changing potential depends heavily on her ability to stretch the floor and force defenses to respect her from well beyond the arc. When that part of her game isn’t clicking, opposing teams can crowd the paint and make it tougher for Indiana to operate.
Fortunately for the Fever, Clark’s shooting slump hasn’t derailed their overall progress. But they know that if she can rediscover her range on the road, they’ll become a far more dangerous team.
The season is still young, and Clark has shown resilience before. But if Indiana wants to make a serious run toward the postseason, finding answers for her road shooting troubles could be the key to unlocking another level of their offense.
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