Caitlin Clark has made her mark as arguably the best passer in the WNBA. However, it’s come at the price of the Indiana Fever star being as turnover-prone as anyone in the league. For that matter, Clark has yet to record a career game without any turnovers. She’s had at least two in 65 of her 66 games.
On Tuesday against the Toronto Tempo, Clark recorded 14 assists but also lost the ball on six occasions. She’s on a four-game streak of recording at least five turnovers. This season, Clark has seven games with five-plus turnovers. However, a surprising stat reveals that Clark losing the ball at this rate isn’t as concerning.
In the seven games in which Clark turns the ball over five or more times, the Fever have a 5-2 record. In each of those wins, she has either scored over 20 points or dished out over 10 assists, or recorded a 20-10 game.
While turnovers are not directly contributing to the wins or elevating Clark’s performances, it’s a sign that she is playing aggressively and looking to carve up defenses in different ways.
A direct comparison could be the kind of offense the Golden State Warriors play with Steph Curry at the point of attack, who often looks for the most impossible angles, but makes it work more often than not.
Caitlin Clark plays in transition and looks to make reads when the defense is unsettled, so at times, deflections and ill-timed runs from her teammates can force turnovers. Clark’s defensive coverage is also unusual, with the Fever superstar often facing blitzes and double-teams at the top of the key.
With her usage and passing rate, it’s not unheard of for players to commit turnovers at that level.
Stephanie White hails Caitlin Clark’s pace
Caitlin Clark recorded her fourth double-double of the season, tallying 21 points and 14 assists to lead the Fever to a 113-91 win over the Tempo on Tuesday. Clark didn’t shoot the ball as well, going 5 of 15, including 1 of 8 from three and committed six turnovers, but coach Stephanie White was impressed with her pace.
“She did a great job of finding her teammates. Again, her pace, you can tell she’s got her burst back,” White said after the game (via Fever reporter James Boyd). “She does a good job of forcing the action in the ball screen and really creates 2 on 1 opportunities. … I thought tonight, the way she got the ball out on time was really good and set her teammates up for great shots.”
Caitlin Clark’s passing was one of the keys to Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham’s big nights. Mitchell scored 27 on 9 of 11 shots, while Cunningham had a season-high 24 points on 8 of 11 shots.
The Fever won their fourth consecutive game and while Clark hasn’t always been their best player, her floor game has elevated the team’s offense despite the turnovers.
Read more:
- Sophie Cunningham Hilariously Credits “Elbow Injection” After Splashing 9 Threes in 2 Games
- “Stop lying”: Fans Go Ballistic After Fever GM Applauds Caitlin Clark’s Major WNBA Recognition
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