Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has showcased her exceptional potential in the first half of her debut WNBA season.

Fever head coach Christie Sides praised the young star ahead of the 2024 season restart, highlighting Clark‘s outstanding court vision and precise passing, which have helped generate open shots for her teammates.

In a recent interview on the “Locked on Women’s Basketball” podcast, Sides was asked about Clark‘s turnovers and how the 22-year-old can reduce her mistakes.

Sides attributed Clark‘s turnovers to her ongoing adjustment to her new teammates and the lack of familiarity with their playing tendencies.

“It’s the reps with her new teammates,” Sides noted on the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast.

“Understanding where Aliyah (Boston) is gonna roll to or where Lyss (NaLyssa Smith) is gonna pop to, and also the scheming part of it, where the defense is coming from and making those reads.

“She is making those reads now against the best players in the world.”

Clark leads the WNBA in turnovers

Currently, Caitlin Clark leads the WNBA in turnovers, averaging 5.6 per game-two more than the second-ranked Alyssa Thomas, who averages 3.6.

Clark‘s assist-to-turnover ratio stands at 1.47, reflecting both her playmaking abilities and the challenges she faces against top-tier competition.

Coach Sides also acknowledged that the intense defensive pressure from opponents is a significant factor contributing to Clark‘s high turnover rate.

Sides emphasized that Clark is encountering defensive pressure at a level she has never experienced before.

“These are some of the best athletes that are putting pressure on her that she has never felt before,” she added.

“She is starting to figure that out. That is where we are going to see improvement.”

Despite the turnover issues, Caitlin Clark continues to lead the WNBA in assists, averaging 8.2 per game. Her playmaking has been a crucial factor in the Indiana Fever’s 11-15 record in the first half of the season.

Coach Sides expressed her admiration for Clark‘s ability to make difficult passes and her exceptional court vision.

“It’s just been so fun to be out on the court with Caitlin Clark and the things that she sees,” Sides commented.

“Her court vision and the passes that she makes … sometimes you just have to pause. I just turn around and I’m like wow.”