Women's Fastbreak On SI

Caitlin Clark and Fever Look Like Monster That Woke Up

Robin Lundberg

Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve have a history, sort of. Reeve famously responded to an online post during the preseason that stated the WNBA only cares about Clark by replying in the affirmative saying, "that part".

Reeve is also the coach of the Team USA Olympics squad that Clark was famously left off. The Lynx coach even went so far as to say she didn't give a s*** if Indiana Fever fans took over the arena in Minnesota before the teams met up. Which might have made the moment when Caitlin was gesturing toward the crowd on the road in the waning moments of a win sting a bit.

Clark famously told her own coach Christie Sides that the snub from Paris woke up a monster, and the Fever have looked the part since. What was particularly notable about the victory over the Lynx was that Indiana was able to pull it off in a game where Caitlin struggled from the floor. But unlike in similar situations early in the season she fought through the tough Minnesota defense, turnovers and shooting woes to stamp her will on the contest, scoring 10-points in the decisive fourth quarter.

Clark is also getting consistent help. Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell have played like the All-Stars they are. Boston provides a ball screen partner with Caitlin, on top of her own overall contributions when it comes to points and boards. While Mitchell is a true bucket getter who is a dangerous complement to CC as a scorer. In addition, NaLyssa Smith has provided production more often than not. When the Fever get shooting and defense from anyone else on the roster they are potent.

It wasn't always pretty against the Lynx, but winning ugly is what good teams do. Granted, the W came with Minnesota missing Napheesa Collier. However, Indiana has now beaten them, the New York Liberty and the Phoenix Mercury in succession. After starting 1-8, the Fever are 10-6 since, rapidly improving in the process. With the value of the clear Rookie of the Year on full display as she commands what has become a high powered offense.

The Fever have a solid hold on a playoff spot as of now and are beginning to look like a potential postseason threat. Reeve and company got a good look at how dangerous Indiana has become. As the monster was certainly awake in their building.

Published |Modified
Robin Lundberg
ROBIN LUNDBERG

Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!

Home/Analysis