Fever HC: Caitlin Clark’s Competitiveness on Par with Michael Jordan, Kobe, Curry

Jack MurraySeptember 3, 2024

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Caitlin Clark may have what it takes to be one of the greats.

During the latest episode of Indiana Fever All Access, head coach Christie Sides described Clark’s mentality as extremely competitive and reminiscent of some basketball legends.

“When you talk about greats in this game, the Michael Jordan’s and the Kobe Bryant’s and the Steph Curry’s, they are putting her in that category,” Sides said (4:37 in video). “She has that level of competitiveness in her and she wants everyone on her team to have that, and she has given that and it has infused several of our players to have more of that competitive spirit.”

Clark also spoke about her mental approach and said that she hopes her competitiveness rubs off on her teammates.

“One of the biggest things I’ve tried to bring to this team is just that fire, that competitive spirit,” Clark said (4:00). “I think it affects every single person around me and it makes them go a little more too.”

Clark is averaging 18.7 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds in her debut WNBA season. She has helped Indiana go 17-16 and the team currently holds the No. 6 seed.

This is already the most wins the franchise has had since 2016, which was the last time Indiana qualified for the postseason. Clark has been a major reason why, and she has performed like this in the immediate aftermath of a run to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

As Indiana prepares for a potential postseason run, Clark will look to continue her drive and reach new heights in the sport.