Just In: Caitlin Clark slows roll on championship expectations

Despite adding perhaps the most popular women’s basketball player in WNBA Draft history, the Indiana Fever were not expected to be serious contenders. Even with Caitlin Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, they owned the No. 1 pick for a reason.

However, following the Fever’s third consecutive victory, during which Clark delivered an impressive 18-point, 12-rebound, and six-assist performance, some perceptions shifted. Despite this, Clark urges everyone to remain level-headed.

“I think everybody longs for instant gratification in our world. No one in our locker room ever claimed that we would become WNBA champions overnight. That was never our goal. Our aim was to return to the playoffs, and we’re fighting for that every single night,” stated Clark earlier this week.

“This is the first time we’ve won four consecutive home games since 2015. It’s essential to maintain perspective, and that applies to life as well. It’s important to keep perspective on what this team can achieve.”

Their winning streak extended to four on Friday with a victory over the Atlanta Dream, bringing Indiana to a 7-10 record for the season. Clark appeared to suggest that their challenging start was anticipated by herself and her teammates.

“We had the most difficult schedule initially. We didn’t have much practice time, and we’re playing with the most inexperienced team in the WNBA,” Clark explained.

Nevertheless, they are now “starting to click and build some chemistry.”