Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is widely regarded as one of the most talented, if not the best, players in the league. But how well does this talent translate to a 1-on-1 game? To receive an answer on the matter, some Indiana Pacers players were asked about who would win in such a game setting, them or Clark. The responses were varied but interesting all the same.
Pacers center Thomas Bryant responded by saying, “Of course, I’ll pick me. I’ve got to keep Caitlin Clark off the three-point line. I’ve got to make her drive, play some physicality with it, but I believe I will win.”
When asked to predict the scoreline, in a game to 12, he said, “11-12, me.”
The next Pacers player to respond to this question was their young guard, Andrew Nembhard, who responded by saying:
“It’s a tough one. She’s a good player. I’d say 12 to 2, respectfully.”
The reporter asking the question seemed to be in awe of the point differential, with Nembhard adding, “I was going to say 12-0, but I’ve got to give her the respect. So, 12-2.”
Pacers guard Ben Sheppard was also asked to give his input on this hypothetical matchup. He replied with, “I think I would win 12 to 4.”
TJ McConnell didn’t exactly respond like the rest of his teammates. He said:
“Oh, I don’t know. It’ll be a great game, though. She’s a great player. I don’t know who would win, and I don’t know what the score would be. But she’s an incredible player, someone who I have a ton of respect for, and also a good person.”
“I’ve been following her career, especially when she got drafted by the Fever. So, we’re all happy to have her in Indy, and it’s been fun to watch.”
As avoidant as McConnell was about answering the question, Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin took it a step further, as he responded by saying:
“I love Caitlin Clark a lot. I heard she’s baking. I heard she bakes a lot, so I’m going to keep that question later on… I’m not trying to be in any controversial conversations. I’ve been through that before, but right now, go Pacers and let’s get this thing done.”
Although there have been varying opinions about the scorelines for the matchup, the common trend was the amount of respect the Pacers players had for Clark, and rightfully so.
Clark’s impact on the WNBA has been nothing short of seismic. With her popularity influencing ratings, Clark is almost single-handedly driving success for the league. By virtue of this, the Fever star has been compared to LeBron James and Stephen Curry, something she has humbly addressed as well.
Needless to say, Clark is also bringing a winning culture back to Indiana. Her raw offensive talent, paired with her sense for the big moments, has drawn a lot of attention to the Fever, both positive and negative.
Regardless, Clark continues to deliver. With the WNBA also benefiting from this, the star continues her dramatic rise in popularity.
