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Caitlin Clark Has Earned a Break and WNBA Respect

Robin Lundberg

Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY

Caitlin Clark said she "can't wait to not touch a basketball for a while" following the WNBA All-Star Game, and the Indiana Fever rookie has certainly earned a well deserved break. Clark has hardly had time to breathe since playing in the national championship with Iowa just over three months ago, going straight into the pros and being thrown right into the fire. But aside from earning some time off, she has also earned her respect.

Team WNBA's win over the Team USA squad heading to the Olympics felt like a celebration for the W as a whole, but as always Clark was at the center of it. One thing that wasn't however, is any controversy, given it seems the noise surrounding her entry to the league has completely dissipated. The reality is coming narrative is gone with CC showing everyone that it was her undeniable game that led to her popularity all along.

Clark's weekend was filled with displays of mutual respect between her and others around the league. Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson notably sat next to her during the Skills Competition and 3-Point Contest, both won by Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream. While Caitlin and All-Star MVP Arike Ogunbowale also had a moment of shared admiration. Clark had dubbed the Dallas Wings star the best one-on-one player in the league and Arike responded in kind, “I appreciate that. I love her game too, so that's what's up.”

There were of course countless other interactions that showed Clark has established herself at the professional level and there was even an awesome connection between her and fellow first-year player Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. The two have been pitted as rivals often, but they were teammates in the win, leading the squad in assists and rebounds respectively and linking up on a bucket that led to a dap.

Clark got the start at point guard in her first ever All-Star appearance because her peers now know they must keep their head on a swivel when she has the ball. Caitlin's dazzling passing has led to broken records and commanded the respect of her peers, as she could be seen leading the veterans of the league out on the floor.

Cailtin will now head for vacation before returning back to WNBA action next month. But when she returns it will be with the same attention minus the scrutiny. Because Clark is finally past having to prove herself.

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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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