Even the most ardent supporters of Caitlin Clark might not have predicted her achieving a top-five finish in the WNBA MVP voting during her initial season, yet her concentration remains on achieving team objectives with the playoffs commencing on Sunday.
“It’s neat, I guess,” she remarked to journalists when addressing her fourth-place ranking in the MVP voting process. “However, to be truthful, it’s not my biggest concern.”
A’ja Wilson, the standout player for the Las Vegas Aces, unanimously claimed the award, while Clark secured fourth place, following Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart:
Wilson’s dominance this season was undeniable, earning her a third MVP title in her remarkable career through an exceptional performance. Her stats included an average of 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game, alongside a field goal percentage of 51.8.
Additionally, she made history as the first WNBA player to accumulate 1,000 points within a single season.
Clark also showcased impressive skills throughout the season, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, with a field goal percentage of 41.7 and a three-point percentage of 34.4. She significantly contributed to the Indiana franchise’s improvement from a 13-27 record last season to a playoff berth.
The rookie’s presence also enhanced the performance of teammates like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, owing to her playmaking abilities and her capacity to attract defenders from extended distances. Despite a challenging first-round matchup against the Connecticut Sun, the Fever’s future appears promising.
And Clark stands as the linchpin of that future.
As she gains further experience within the WNBA, her shooting accuracy is expected to rise, and she has already demonstrated her potential to dominate games both as a scorer and a facilitator during her rookie year.
The future may hold MVP awards for her, although the presence of other prominent stars like Wilson and Stewart will present a considerable challenge.
For her part, she remains dedicated to guiding Indiana toward greater accomplishments as the team’s foundational player.
