Caitlin Clark continues to be a game-changer for women’s basketball, not only shattering records but also reshaping the trajectory of the WNBA. From setting new benchmarks in ticket sales to breaking long-standing WNBA records, Clark has rapidly become one of the most influential players in the league. On Friday, she added another accolade to her growing list of achievements, setting the new all-time record for assists in a single season. Her remarkable play has caught the attention of WNBA legends, including Indiana Fever icon Tamika Catchings, who couldn’t be more thrilled about the impact Clark is making on the sport.
“She’s rejuvenated not just the franchise but the whole city,” Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings told SportsCasting.com’s Bob Kravitz. “Remember, the NBA didn’t become what it is today until Magic Johnson and Larry Bird came into the league, followed by Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, and others. In our league, we had the pioneers who started it, but Caitlin has taken it to a whole new level.”
Catchings, who spent her entire illustrious career with the Fever and became a 10-time WNBA All-Star, praised Clark not just for her on-court dominance but for the revitalization she’s brought to Indiana’s franchise and the excitement she’s generating throughout the league. “All the things we’ve fought for and continue to fight for, it’s great now to see so much progress,” Catchings said. “We’re back in the playoffs, and the excitement around the city is incredible. It wasn’t even like this when I played. Last year, you could come in and sit anywhere you wanted. Now, it’s become a tough ticket.”
Clark’s influence extends beyond the numbers she’s putting up. Her charisma and skill set have sparked renewed interest in the Fever and the WNBA at large, drawing comparisons to NBA greats who transformed the men’s league in the 1980s and ’90s. According to Catchings, Clark’s impact is reminiscent of the seismic cultural shift brought by players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird when they first entered the NBA.
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“What impresses me most is the way she handles herself on and off the court — with grace and humility,” Catchings added. “She’s like all great players. She sees the game differently. She understands it. Her basketball IQ is off the charts. I saw that the first time I watched her as a freshman when I was doing games for ESPN. Even though defenses are designed to stop her, she’s adjusted and found ways to dominate.”
Clark’s ability to rise above the immense pressure placed on her is another reason she’s already considered a future legend of the game. Despite having a target on her back, the former Iowa standout continues to elevate her game, breaking records and redefining what’s possible for the next generation of women’s basketball players.
As the Indiana Fever head into the playoffs, Clark’s contributions have given the team newfound momentum. The Fever wrap up their regular season with a road game against the Washington Mystics on Thursday night, setting the stage for what fans hope will be a deep postseason run.
With Clark at the helm, Indiana has transformed from a struggling franchise to one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league, a testament to her incredible influence both on and off the court.
Clark’s ability to inspire a new wave of fans and players alike has made her the face of a WNBA resurgence, and her journey is only just beginning. As Catchings put it, “She’s taken it to a whole new level.”
