Caitlin Clark’s latest evolution should worry the rest of the WNBA

The hallmark of WNBA teams coached by the Indiana Fever's Stephanie White has traditionally been defense. After all, White led the Connecticut Sun to the best defensive rating and lowest points allowed in 2023 and 2024.

It's clear some of that is rubbing off on Fever All-Star Caitlin Clark, whose defense was a big part of their 96-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Yes, Clark scored a team-best 27 points to lead the Fever, but she also had seven rebounds, nine assists and four steals.

At the 6:56 mark of the first quarter against the Lynx, Clark got a steal on an errant pass from Lynx guard Courtney Williams. Clark quickly passed the ball ahead to Kelsey Mitchell, who scored in the paint. It was the beginning of a 6-0 run.

But it wasn't only Clark causing disruption on the defensive side of the ball. She paired it with her physicality on offense as well. With 6:37 to go in the third quarter, Clark got another steal and went to the rim, putting her shoulder down and moving through contact from defender Aari McDonald.

McDonald was called for the foul and Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve challenged…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/