Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark continues to etch her name in WNBA history during her debut season. Most recently, she became the quickest player ever in the league to achieve 300 points, 100 assists, and 100 rebounds, accomplishing this feat in three fewer games than any previous player.
Despite her impressive all-around performance, Clark’s coach, Christie Sides, believes there is room for her to be more assertive on the court. Following Indiana’s recent 89-77 loss to the Seattle Storm, Sides expressed her opinion that Clark should be taking at least 15 shots per game.
Currently, Clark averages 12.2 field goal attempts per game, having reached the 15-shot mark in only six of her 19 games this season. The majority of her attempts come from three-point range (8.0 attempts per game), but Sides suggests Clark could diversify her shooting portfolio by incorporating more floaters and midrange jumpers to increase her overall shot count.
When asked about her coach’s comments ahead of the game against the Phoenix Mercury, Clark emphasized her team-first mentality: “As long as we move the ball and find the best shot for the team, I’m happy. I think there are times when I could be more aggressive and perhaps not pass as much, but I also believe we’re getting good looks.”
Clark acknowledged Sides’ desire for her to be more aggressive but stressed her enjoyment in setting up teammates for success: “I love distributing the ball. Sometimes making a great pass is even more exhilarating than making a great shot. Personally, I don’t feel the need to meet a specific number of shots. Christie understands that too; she just wants me to assert myself more, which I’m certainly capable of doing.”
