With the Indiana Fever's main issues this season being turnovers, defensive lapses, and fouling, you would think Caitlin Clark is part of that problem. However, analyst Debbie Antonelli thinks otherwise.

In the latest episode of The Ride with JMV podcast, John Gilva suggested that Clark is part of the problem when it comes to defensive duties. But that was not the case for the veteran Fever broadcaster, who explained her case by drawing out a comparison with none other than Steph Curry.

“I wanted to know how many times Steph Curry fouled out of a basketball game in his NBA career. And I just thought it was kind of interesting. And Pat came up with 13 times in his NBA career and just once since 2001." Antonelli said.

"So, to your point, making sure that we keep the best players on the floor. Figuring out the right schemes to keep the ball in front. And then just making sure that we have the offensive firepower we need.” She added.

As per Antonelli, Curry being fouled out 13 times does not mean he is not a great defender.  It is because the defensive system the Golden State Warriors used did not place him in impossible defensive situations.

With that comparison, Antonelli believes that head coach Stephanie White should put out a defensive system that protects Clark, the same way Curry has it in the Warriors.

And the stats prove it right. Clark has committed 65 personal fouls this season, averaging 3.3 fouls per game. This has forced White to take her out of the games early to manage foul trouble.

Meanwhile, Clark's scoring form does not seem to be stopping anytime soon, as she once again drops a historic stat line.

Caitlin Clark was Cooking Against the Seattle Storm

With all of the defensive talk, we were forgetting Clark's main strength, and she reminded us of that and more. The Fever star erupted for a career-high 45 points and 10 assists in a 110-107 victory over the Seattle Storm on Friday.

She became the first player in WNBA history to record at least 40 points and 10 assists in the same game. Clark also supplied four steals and two blocks during the landmark win.

Not bad for a guard who was voted eleventh by her peers in the All-Star rankings. And Clark could not care less about the record, as she reacted nonchalantly to her historic game.

“It’s cool (but) I don’t really care,” Clark said postgame.

“I know what I’m capable of, and I know what this team is capable of, and it’s my job to help us win and be the best team in the WNBA, and I don’t think we’re there yet. So it’s my responsibility to help us get there – we’ll keep working.”

With this victory, the Fever have now won three of their last four games, as they look to build a winning streak with the heavyweights New York Liberty in their way at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse tomorrow.

So, do you think the Indiana Fever can carry out this momentum all the way to the playoffs? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy