Courtney Vandersloot, a five-time WNBA All-Star, can relate to the challenges that rookie Caitlin Clark is facing as she transitions from college to the professional league. Vandersloot, who was not guaranteed a starting spot in the WNBA despite her success at Gonzaga, emphasizes the significant jump in skill level and margin for error in the pros. Vandersloot visited Indianapolis for Clark’s home opener with the New York Liberty, where the Fever suffered a heavy 102-66 loss. However, in a rematch in New York, the Fever showed improvement, losing by just 11 points. In these games, Clark averaged 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7 assists, despite struggling with turnovers.
During the first win of the season against Los Angeles, Clark demonstrated resilience by hitting two clutch 3-pointers in the final minutes. Despite struggling with shooting and turnovers, Clark acknowledges the importance of all aspects of the game, not just scoring. She finished the game with just two turnovers to her eight assists, showcasing her ability to adapt and contribute in various ways on the court. As a rookie, Clark is learning to navigate the challenges of the WNBA, but her determination and versatility in gameplay are evident as she continues to grow and develop in the professional league.
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