Getty Image / Brian Fluharty
Caitlin Clark has been dealing with a lot of off-court distractions lately, even though they’re not really of her doing. Such is life as one of them most high-profile athletes in America.
Unfortunately, it seems like those issues might be affecting her play on the court, as she’s been in a pretty prolonged shooting slump to a level that we haven’t really seen from her since she arrived on the scene at the University of Iowa.
That continued on Thursday night, though Caitlin Clark was able to contribute in other ways en route to the Indiana Fever beating the Atlanta Dream, 91-84.
On the night, Clark was 3-11 from the field, and 1-6 from three-point range as she had 7 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 7 turnovers. That is certainly not the offensive efficiency she’s looking for.
That’s been a trend as of late. In her last ten games, she’s just 44/126 from the field (34.9%) and just 22/80 (27.5%) from three-point range. That is a far cry from one of the most electrifying and efficient scorers we’ve ever seen when Caitlin Clark became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer at the University of Iowa.
Frankly, she’s probably tired. Caitlin Clark has basically been in season since October, with just a few weeks off between the Women’s Final Four and the start of training camp for the Indiana Fever. And, that time was mostly filled with various media appearances and sponsorship obligations. Plus, players in the WNBA are the best in the world. She’s seeing better and stronger defenders than she’s ever witnessed. It stands to reason a player with her talent will adjust, but right now she is struggling.
One of the reasons why so many are bullish on her long-term success is due to her incredible work ethic. She proved that after the game Thursday night, staying at the gym late into the night to get shots up.
Caitlin Clark right back out to the court to get shots up after the Fever win tonight. pic.twitter.com/8EZLLv48nr
— Brett Bensley (@brettbensley) June 14, 2024
That’s what legends do, that’s for sure.
Next up is a highly-anticipated matchup against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on Sunday.