Since Caitlin Clark joined the Indiana Fever (13-15) as the first overall pick in the most-watched WNBA Draft, viewed by 2.4 million people, the league has reached new heights. The WNBA has shattered its own records in ratings, merchandise sales, and consistent sell-out crowds.
The All-Star Game was the most watched in history, drawing 3.44 million viewers, a staggering 305% increase from last year. Clark and the Fever have been featured in 14 of the 16 games that surpassed one million viewers.
More Praises for Caitlin Clark
Clark’s impact on the WNBA has been recognized by numerous figures in the basketball community. Her historic achievements, such as being the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double and setting the record for most assists (19) in a single game, have made her a hot topic of discussion.
Most recently, former 14th overall pick Rashad McCants, co-host of “Gil’s Arena,” praised Clark, ranking her above all other point guards in the league. McCants made it clear that the Rookie of the Year award is practically Clark’s, and her performance even puts her in the running for MVP, though that honor seems destined for A’ja Wilson.
To have those numbers as a rookie us truly amazing, is like a Magic Jonhson type of rookie year, of course without the Championship, yet. Clark continues to deliver standout performances in every game. She was named AP Player of the Week with averages of 26 points and 9.2 assists in the two wins last week.
These victories, both by more than 10 points, were the Fever’s first back-to-back wins by such a margin this season, indicating that the Olympic break may have rejuvenated the team. Currently sitting in seventh place, Indiana is on track to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, especially with the recent struggles of the Wings, Sparks, and Mystics, even with 12 games remaining for the Fever.
Next Up: Minnesota Lynx
Tonight at 7:00 PM EST, the Indiana Fever will face the Western Conference leaders, the Minnesota Lynx (21-8), in Minnesota.
The Lynx are coming off a back-to-back game following their win last night against the Las Vegas Aces (17-11), while the Fever hasn’t played since last Sunday. It remains to be seen whether Indiana’s lack of recent play or the Lynx’s fatigue from consecutive games will have a bigger impact.
Clark has recorded 11 games with 20+ points and 5+ assists, including four consecutive matches.
She leads the league in assists (8.3) and ranks second in minutes played per game (35.2), while also averaging 17.8 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Her only possible flaw is leading the WNBA in turnovers, though not all of them are her fault, and she’s been steadily reducing that number each game.
