Caitlin Clark eardrums RUPTURED in iconic WNBA rookie season
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark reveals the physicality she faced in her 'Rookie of the Year' winning WNBA season.
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Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark finished her debut WNBA season
When Caitlin Clark decided to declare for the WNBA, she knew the biggest difference was going to be the increased physicality. Playing against late teens or early 20-year-olds is one thing, but against women who are much older, stronger, and tougher in the league was a different ball game. Even though the Indiana Fever star did have some nasty moments, one particular incident stands out.
The unanimous Rookie of the Year sat down with ’60 minutes’ to speak about her first year in the league. When talking about facing the increased physicality, Clark recalled an incident involving Jonquel Jones.
I remember when we were in New York, and Jonquel Jones set a good screen on me. And I actually popped my eardrum, ruptured my eardrum, just on a screen. She’s a tremendous player, but I think it kind of speaks to the physicality of the league. It’s just that she kind of got me in the right spot.
Caitlin Clark said
In the WNBA, physicality is an oft-used tactic to slow down opponents. Hard screens are brutal as Clark learned early in her young career. As they continue to face more of it, players learn to work around it and come out on top.
Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s first draft pick, tells Jon Wertheim, “Ask me the hard-hitting questions.” She smiles, then shares a signature moment from the season when she ruptured her eardrum on screen. https://t.co/Xcc3OfM7Gv pic.twitter.com/5puTXvRIxp
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 30, 2024
The Indiana Fever rookie did get bumped quite a few times. During the season, Clark might not have time to figure out how to avoid it. But give it one offseason and she might understand how to deal with the physicality.
Caitlin Clark talks about missing good shots
Further in discussion with Jon Wertheim, the pair took to the basketball court as they wanted to capture her shooting the ball. In the midst of that when Caitlin Clark made a shot, Wertheim observed how she was aware of what the outcome would be as soon the ball left her hands. Clark did not disagree with his observation.
I know when I’m gonna miss, I know when I’m gonna make it. The worst is when it feels good, and you still miss. If I miss and it feels good, that’s fine.
Caitlin Clark said
Caitlin Clark gets real about missing shots: “The worst is when it feels good, and you still miss. If I miss and it feels good, that’s fine,” she says before challenging Jon Wertheim to take a shot himself. Think he can make it? https://t.co/vx4x4T4nbO pic.twitter.com/wXjAGt3hTS
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 30, 2024
This candid approach to the game shows Clark does not sulk or feel downtrodden when she misses shots. It helps to keep the confidence going. That confidence is what paved her way to play at a much higher level after the Olympic break. That improvement in play led Clark to fourth place in the WNBA’s MVP voting, which is quite a remarkable feat for a rookie.
Before starting next season, Clark will have at least seven months to work on improving her game. The Indiana Fever star will also have time to rest and improve her strength.
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Joseph Varghese
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