Seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry believes Caitlin Clark has spent enough time avoiding conflict, and now he’s encouraging her to assert herself when opponents go too far.

Ever since she arrived in the WNBA in 2024, Clark has been the victim of plenty of physicality, as she is the one who keeps the ball on her the most in the Fever.

While Clark has thankfully not faced many cheap shots in her third year, Horry believes now is the time to show some aggression on the hardwood, all while keeping herself safe and sound.

“You think about when you when you’re the best, everybody want to knock you out. And I think a lot of people are going after her and for me, just play the game,” Horry told Fox News Digital. “Some other players around the league didn’t protect themselves, and the (harassment) went on, so my best advice (for) her is protect yourself. Don’t let nobody try to punk you.”

Another reason why Rory wants Clark to protect herself is that whenever she is fouled, intentionally or not, she decides to take her complaints to the referees instead.

This dynamic has drawn the ire of fans who say she complains too much, which is obviously not the best look for the face of the league.

Rory himself went on to provide us with an example of standing up for oneself, with none other than his former teammate, Shaquille O'Neal.

"I think I (played) with one of the greatest players (in) Shaquille O'Neal, he got hammered. I know he's bigger and stronger than Caitlin, but he got to a point where he just started fighting back. You know, someone (elbowed him), you elbow him back."

No wonder the Los Angeles Lakers legend went on to become one of the most dominant players of all time.

While Clark's playstyle is on a completely different spectrum from O'Neal's, she can definitely learn a thing or two from his physicality, which she gradually is.

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are Showing Toughness

Clark's struggles this season have been more because of her shooting than opponents trying to keep her in check.

But after a slump of low double-digit scores, CC22 was back in action against the Chicago Sky with a near triple-double of 32 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds.

Clark did have a brief scramble with Golden State Valkyries' Tiffany Hayes, where she stood up for herself. It also helps that the Fever now have their very own "enforcer" in Sophie Cunningham, who is always first in line of defence when Clark gets on the floor.

The Fever currently sit with a record of 7-5 in the league, finally maintaining some distance over .500. With the Commissioner's Cup in full flow, they now have the chance to gain further momentum and defend their crown this month.

With Clark back in her usual scoring form and last year's injury concerns aside, do you believe the Fever can get back-to-back Ws in the in-season tournament? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy