Caitlin Clark's tough life in the WNBA: defeats, angry opponents and racism

Caitlin Clark was expected to revolutionize the WNBA. In of media and economic impact, she certainly has. The Indiana Fever have already sured their total home game attendance from last season, going from 81,336 spectators throughout an entire season to 82,857 in just five games.

However, on the court, things have been challenging. The number 1 pick of the last draft is struggling to adapt to the professional league, facing poor shooting percentages, exhaustion, and becoming the target of rivals' ire who aim to intimidate the rookie.

After a dazzling career with the University of Iowa, where she became the highest-scoring player in NCAA history, it was expected that Clark would have an immediate impact in the WNBA. However, the 22-year-old, 1.83-meter point guard is struggling during games.

For example, in a crushing defeat against the runner-up New York Liberty (104-68), she scored only three points on 1/10 shooting from the field, including 1/7 from three-point range.

Clark is averaging 15.6 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 5.4 turnovers in 33 minutes. She is the fourth-best er in the league but leads the WNBA in turnovers.

She has made 27 three-pointers, only behind the legendary Diana Taurasi's 31, but her shooting percentage is just 29.7%, placing her 44th in the league.

Grueling Schedule

Clark is feeling the physical toll of the league. The Fever are second to last with a 2-9 record, only ahead of the winless Washington Mystics (0-8).

Indiana has had the toughest schedule to start the season, playing 11 games in 20 days, more than any other team. In contrast, the Las Vegas Aces, the current champions, have only played six games.

Rival Provocations

The rookie is also the focus of provocations from rivals. Several games have seen overly aggressive defenses against her, with actions bordering on off-ball aggression, often cheered on by bench players. Opponents seem to aim to unsettle her.

"Calm down and let your game speak for you. Don't let them get into your head. I feel like they are hitting me. I know they are going to hit me hard in every game, but I'm trying not to let it bother me," Clark said.

She has already received three technical fouls, two for arguing with referees and one for an altercation with Victoria Vivians of the Seattle Storm.

Off-Ball Aggression

Recently, in a game against the Chicago Sky, Clark received a clear push without the ball from Chennedy Carter, who also insulted the rookie. After reviewing the video, the WNBA upgraded the action to a flagrant 1 foul.

Lin Dunn, the Fever's general manager, commented, "There is a difference between tough defense and unnecessary actions." She also complained on social media: "This has to stop! The league needs to clean up this trash! This is not what this league is about!"

Head coach Christie Sides recently held back her comments on the toughness against her player, saying, "I'm trying not to get fined." She added, "We will keep sending plays to the league and hopefully, they will start analyzing some of the things we see better.

"I'm happy that Caitlin handled it the way she did. It's hard to take hits and not be rewarded with free throws."

Clark is at the center of a controversy in which some see racial undertones from her predominantly African American rivals. However, with Sabrina Ionescu, a white point guard and Liberty star who also entered the WNBA as a future star, there was no similar treatment.

Clark is paying the price of being the player expected to change the WNBA. For now, she is facing many adversities.