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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is set to return to the court after a standout rookie season in which she averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game.
Despite her early success in the WNBA, it’s a step up from the college game. The game is faster, the players are more skilled, and the physicality is second to none.
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This offseason, Clark made it her mission to build more muscle going into Year 2 in the WNBA.
“I’m trying to get stronger, like a lot of time in the weight room,” Clark said a couple of weeks ago on “The Bird and Taurasi Show.” “It’s something I kind of enjoy, so it’s been pretty easy for me to spend time in there and really work on that part of my game.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks on during a game.Mark Smith-Imagn Images
On Saturday, a fan posted a side-by-side of Clark throwing a shirt and a mini basketball into the stands. The picture on the left was taken on Tuesday at the Indiana Pacers NBA playoff game, while the one on the right was after a Fever game last season.
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“crazy difference that a year makes,” the fan who posted the photos wrote, highlighting her change in muscle.
Later on “The Bird and Taurasi Show,” the 23-year-old explained that improving her strength was tied to finishing plays in the paint. She admitted she struggled at times last season when defenses collapsed, making it harder for her to hit mid-range jump shots and floaters.
“I think the biggest thing on the court is just that mid-range area,” Clark added. “I got pretty uncomfortable in there when I would get in there. I didn’t really have any floater. I didn’t like taking a mid-range jump shot, so just getting more comfortable when I get my feet kind of into the paint. And, honestly, trying to just add a floater to my game and finishing through contact and little things like that.”
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Clark will look to take advantage of her added muscle when the Fever open the regular season on May 17 against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
Related: Fever Make Big Roster Announcement Day Before Training Camp
Related: New Video of Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull is Turning Heads
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