Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shown on the court against the Atlanta Dream during the first half during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shown on the court against the Atlanta Dream during the first half during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
While Caitlin Clark's lack of momentum in the early games created a buzz, WNBA analyst Alicia Jay had a different take about her overall impact on the Indiana Fever.
The Fever’s first 3 games witnessed CC going through a shooting slump and briefly recovering from it in the 4th game. But speaking on 'We Need To Talk,' on May 19, Jay argued that CC’s slump wouldn’t really impact the team.
“I think a lot of people are focused on her getting her points,” explained Jay. “But we have to remember she's on a team with some amazing teammates. And some amazing shooters in their own right… We saw last year with her injury that the team was effective without her in a lot of ways.”
May 15, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) holds the ball while Washington Mystics guard Georgia Amoore (8) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) holds the ball while Washington Mystics guard Georgia Amoore (8) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Clark posted 20+ in every 4 games, including a 32 against the Washington Mystics on May 15. But Jay thought she didn’t need to “produce as much as people are thinking that she needs to” for the team to be effective.
In short, the team that has players like 3X All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, averaging 23.5 points, and 3X All-Star Aliyah Boston, who helped the team win the Commissioner Cup last season, doesn’t strictly need Clark to succeed.
Despite their scoring depth, there’s no denying that Clark’s elite playmaking remains essential for maintaining a high win rate.
Caitlin Clark Is Leading the W League in Assists
Apart from her signature 3-Pointers and the pick-and-roll offense, Clark’s basketball IQ and playmaking have defined her game ever since her collegiate career. And Jay’s co-host, Ashley Nicole Moss, agreed.
“And let's not forget that the triple-doubles that we saw in her NCAA career included assists, right?” mentioned Moss. “And in my estimation, that was the most underrated utility that she had.”
Not so surprisingly, averaging 24.3 points and 5.0 rebounds, the Fever guard currently leads the league with 9.0 assists. So, if not needing her for scoring, the team will definitely turn to CC for facilitation.
But moving forward, what do you think Caitlin Clark’s main impact is on the Fever? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy