Caitlin Clark Takes Accountability for Fever’s Lapses in Key Area vs Lynx

Caitlin Clark knows she must rebound better if the Indiana Fever are to find their defensive rhythm.

Caitlin Clark looks up during an Indiana Fever game. | IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

The Indiana Fever were out-rebounded 33-23 in their 108-100 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. The Lynx were especially lethal on the offensive boards, snagging 11 while the Fever only secured five offensive rebounds of their own.

Star guard Caitlin Clark took accountability for her role in allowing the Lynx to dominate the boards when speaking to the media postgame.

When asked about what the Fever can do to improve defensively in a game with so much offensive firepower, Clark said, "I mean, I think [we were] just a step late a lot of the times. And then obviously, the offensive rebounding that we gave up tonight really hurt us.

"And that starts with me. I think my player got at least four [offensive rebounds] tonight. So, I gotta be better in that area, and I can, for sure," Clark said, per a YouTube video from the Fever's account. Clark spent much of the game guarding guard Maya Caldwell, who finished with four offensive rebounds in 17 minutes played off the bench.

She then added that she felt like the Fever shot themselves in the foot because they slow to get the 50/50 balls, before saying Indiana's defense was better in the second half than the first half.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts on defense. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Indiana Fever Set New WNBA Record for 100-Point Games Conceded

This is far from the first game where the Fever's struggles on defense cost them a victory. In fact, they're now in the WNBA history books for something they never would have wanted.

Today's loss against the Lynx marked the 10th game this season where the Fever gave up 100 or more points. This is now the most times a WNBA team has given up at least 100 points in a single season, surpassing the nine games the Dallas Wings did so during the 2024 season.

Indiana still has 14 games left on their regular season schedule, including two more games against the Lynx and another contest against the Las Vegas Aces, who they face in their next game this Thursday.

Thankfully, the Fever have the best offense in WNBA history, which is why they still have a solid 19-11 record despite these defensive lapses. But they're going to need to find more consistency on the defensive end during the postseason if they're going to last a series against some of the league's elite teams.

Clark isn't solely to blame for these season-long defensive struggles, of course. But her acknowledging her role is a step in the right direction.