Caitlin Clark has quickly evolved into the biggest star the WNBA has to offer today, and that attracts eyeballs in whatever you do on and off the court.

One such aspect is pregame rituals that separate the great from the good. Few athletes are busier before games than Clark these days as she gets to work on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse floor.

Clark is still recovering from her injury-ridden sophomore year, so getting "activated," as she calls it, is critical in the 90 minutes before a Fever game.

"A lot of my work, whether it is before practice or after practice, it's usually with some sort of contact," Clark tells ESPN. "If I don't get hit, maybe I'm off balance at this point? Something to look into."

Following her practice, which consists of shooting threes (obviously), drives to the hoop, and simulating rough defensive tactics by having assistant coach Austin Kelly purposely body her, Clark moves on to a full news conference before games.

On opening day this year, she talks openly about feeling butterflies again after the long layoff. She hopes the new Fever DJ will play a song she absolutely must hear before she is ready to play: "Applause" by Lady Gaga.

With her jersey number 22 and Taylor Swift as her favorite artist, fans are prompted to go wild at games with short bursts of "22" from the famous Swift song.

And just like that, Clark is ready to take on the next challenge on the court, but not before her walk-ins and outfits go viral on social media and become mandatory additions to every TV broadcast. 

As Clark takes on the court, she is often the best player of the night, more so highlighted by the fact that she is quickly climbing up the MVP rankings.

Caitlin Clark's Position in the MVP Race

Safe to say Clark had a slow start to her third season in the W, adding on the fact that her back issues put her on a minutes restriction as well.

Still, Clark has come roaring back following the minor setback, and her recent performances tell the whole story.

Clark put together yet another insane game on Tuesday night in a win over the Seattle Storm, finishing with 32 points, four rebounds and seven assists.

She followed that with her fourth career triple-double against the Portland Fire, posting 26 points to go with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. 

Clark has also climbed up in the statistics, ranking third in the WNBA in scoring (21.6 points) and second in assists (8.0).

While betting odds suggest she is still trailing A'ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, and Paige Bueckers, Clark has more than enough time to catch up with 16 regular-season games remaining for the Fever.

So, do you think Caitlin Clark can catch up to Wilson and the other just in time for the WNBA playoffs? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy