Caitlin Clark is taking the WNBA by storm. The rookie is smashing records and has her Indiana Fever playing like an elite team. It took some time to get adjusted, but the 22-year-old has next and figures to be in the MVP conversation for years to come.
Sue Bird knows a thing or two about winning. She is one of the all-time greats. The 43-year-old retired in 2022 as a five-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA champion. Bird has her number ten retired by the Storm and is an absolute legend.
Bird was discussing teams she would not want to face in the WNBA playoffs on her A Touch More podcast with Megan Rapinoe, and her first choice was Clark’s Indiana Fever. The legendary point guard talked about what makes the rookie unstoppable and even mentioned her in the same breath as Kevin Durant.
Sue Bird on what makes Caitlin Clark elite
Bird talked about the Fever’s pace of play led by Clark and Kelsey Mitchell creating problems for the opposition in the playoffs. The legend discussed why teams picked the rookie up full court early in the season and had this to say about what they will do in the playoffs.
“This is why you had to pick Caitlin up full court. The numbers she is putting up now, this is why. Everyone was, like mad about it, but I was like I don’t get it…It would be like letting Kevin Durant shoot pull-ups all day. It is like no.”
Bird mentioned she does not know why she picked that Durant example, but the point is valid. Clark puts so much pressure on the defense when bringing the ball up the floor. The 22-year-old has deep 3-point range and unique playmaking ability. The Fever want to play fast and get buckets. It has helped them win five of their seven games and trend toward becoming a feared postseason opponent.
Bird and Rapinoe discussed more on their podcast, including Angel Reese, the Phoenix Mercury, and several non-basketball topics. Fans can listen to the full episode below.
Caitlin Clark is running an elite offense as a 22-year-old rookie, and she keeps improving. Teams will try to pick her up full court and pressure her with doubles in the playoffs, but Clark will have answers. No team hopes to draw the Fever in the first round because she can take over the game.
Sue Bird is clearly loving watching the WNBA and was amped it is back from their Olympic break. Fans know she was rooting for Team USA, but the stretch run in the W figures to bring a ton of excitement.
The Fever are currently seventh in the standings and would face the Connecticut Sun in the opening round of the playoffs. There are still 12 games left in the regular season. Do not be surprised to see Caitlin Clark push Indiana up the standings. The rest of the league is already on notice and something special may be brewing in the playoffs. Do not miss it.