Women's Fastbreak On SI

Fever Rookie Caitlin Clark's Rebounding Leads to Wins

Robin Lundberg

Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese has been celebrated for her rebounding, rightfully so. Reese has been an absolute monster on the boards and is earning respect throughout the league as a result. But Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark's work on the glass is also having an impact for her team.

The Fever are 7-0 when Clark records at least 8 rebounds. Which makes sense when you factor in her style of play. Caitlin is often grabbing the ball and going, leading to transition opportunities for her team, given the way she likes to throw get ahead passes or push the pace herself. Clark actually spoke on this specifically following her record breaking triple-double performance against the New York Liberty.

"I think we're really good when I can get the ball off the glass and just go in transition and find my teammates and set them up."

A quote that was backed up recently by Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts who said his team had difficulty dealing with the Fever's pace in the loss to Indiana. Even the rebound Clark snared to secure the historic triple-double led to a scoring opportunity for her team, despite the crowd trying to recognize the moment which may have slowed Caitlin down.

CC is leading the entire WNBA in points generated, meaning the total scored either by her or off her assists. And many of those dimes are coming as a result of what she has been able to do after securing a rebound. Caitlin currently ranks 12th in the entire league when it comes to defensive rebounds.

Clark continues to fill out the stat sheet overall and is currently averaging 16.1 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists...numbers across the board that have never been reached before. By a rookie or any player period.

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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!

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