Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve changed her tone about Caitlin Clark before Saturday’s win over the Indiana Fever. Reeve and the Lynx hosted Clark and the Fever at the Target Center for the second time this season, with Minnesota getting the win this time around.
In a pregame interview with reporters, Reeve was asked about her thoughts on Clark and his impact on the Fever so far. She praised the Iowa product’s pace and passing, which she called an “exceptional” part of her game.
“What I have seen, coming into the season and watching her in college, I said the single best thing that she does that young players don’t do is she plays at an incredible pace. I know the sexier part is the logo three, but pace and passing is what makes her exceptional in my mind,” Reeve said.
Cheryl Reeve seemingly had a change of heart after the Minnesota Lynx’s first taste of the Caitlin Clark hype before the Olympic break. The visiting Indiana Fever defeated the Lynx in a jam-packed crowd at the Target Center.
Reeve uttered a couple of expletives after being asked about the number of Clark fans in attendance on July 14. She said:
“I don’t give two sh*ts. Not even one sh*t.”
Now, on the night of Maya Moore’s jersey retirement ceremony, Reeve understands the number of Iowa or Caitlin Clark fans in attendance. Clark grew up as a Lynx fan just like many people in Iowa since it’s the closest women’s basketball team they had.
“You’re all standing here, I don’t think it’s just for Maya Moore’s jersey into the rafters, at least I hope some of you are here for that. Every city that’s she’s in… I thought it was really cool her senior year of college to see that take hold, it wasn’t just the Iowa fans.
“It wasn’t just that they sold out Carver. She became a roadshow. And I don’t remember seeing that in my time,” Reeve said. [H/T InformnNY]
Caitlin Clark makes history again despite loss to Lynx
Caitlin Clark has been breaking records as a rookie for the Indiana Fever. She recently broke the record for most assists by a rookie. She’s also leading the league in the category in terms of total and per-game average.
Clark finished Sunday’s 90-80 loss to the Minnesota Lynx with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists. She became the fastest player and the only rookie in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 200 assists in just 19 games.
With 11 games remaining in the regular season, Clark has likely locked up the Rookie of the Year award over Angel Reese. She also has the second-best odds to win the MVP award behind A’ja Wilson, tied with Sabrina Ionescu and over players such as Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and Alyssa Thomas.
