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After a big win over the New York Liberty, it seemed that the Indiana Fever were finally on track to realize their potential. Then, the Golden State Valkyries showed up some of the Fever’s lingering issues, and got the 88-77 win. Golden State has been playing extremely well, but the Fever should’ve been able to beat an expansion team missing several of its top players.
The Valkyries were without Janelle Salaün, Temi Fagbenle, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Julie Vanloo, who are all competing in EuroBasket. Big games from the newly signed Laeticia Amihere and Chloe Bibby helped the Valkyries make up for their absences.
The Fever struggled with the Valkyries’ defense and never-ending energy. Caitlin Clark, in particular, didn’t play a great game. She missed all of her seven 3-point attempts and only converted three of her fourteen total shots. Clark’s defensive shortcomings were also on full display.
The Golden State Valkyries started two quick guards against the Fever: Veronica Burton and Carla Leite. Clark struggled to guard them.
When Clark was the primary defender on Leite in the second quarter, the French rookie beat her on a backdoor cut, blew past her several times for a few easy layups, and created an open three for Bibby when Aliyah Boston had to help Clark. In the next quarter, Clark was matched up with forward Stephanie Talbot instead of Leite.
Clark also fouled Burton on drives twice after the Valkyries guard had gotten past her. It was not a great showing from Clark on that end of the floor. Her struggles to stay in front of quick guards and keep track of them off the ball were on full display.
Compared to last season, the Fever are already a much-improved defensive team. They currently rank fourth in defensive rating across the league behind the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Phoenix Mercury.
Putting great defenders around Caitlin Clark is the easiest way to make up for her defensive shortcomings and allow her to focus on her offensive production. Bringing in Sophie Cunningham, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sydney Colson improved the Fever’s defense.
If the Fever truly want to win at the highest level, everyone around Clark must continue to defend at the highest level possible. Clark, in turn, must work on her individual defense. No one should expect Clark to become a lockdown defender and haunt opposing guards. That is not the kind of player she is.
However, Clark should be able to become at least a solid defender. She has good size for a guard, great instincts, and a high basketball IQ. It all starts with putting in the extra effort. Clark carries a heavy offensive load for the Fever. Nevertheless, she must also compete defensively and be willing to go the extra mile. The coaching staff must challenge Clark to embrace that process.
Until she can improve as a defender, her teammates will have to work extra hard to make up for her mistakes.
