Two-time All-Star Caitlin Clark has been one of the most influential talents in WNBA history. In a recent Courtside Club episode with Rachel DeMita and former New York Knicks player Steve Novak, comparisons between Clark and retired Taiwanese-American player Jeremy Shu-How Lin were made.

Lin famously became a global phenomenon in 2012, after anchoring an unheralded, winning streak for the Knicks with the run nicknamed "Linsanity." Novak explained the difference between Clark and Lin.

"Jeremy was hitting a whirling dervish, putting English on the ball, finishing against the Lakers at the Garden on a Friday, Saturday night," Novak said.

"Caitlin Clark is like when you watch her game, she moves different, her passes are stronger, she's got a little pop in her stuff that you go like, 'okay, this feels very different.'"

He explained how Clark was more similar to San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wenbanyama, as she was expected to have great performances even before her debut.

But Lin came in as a surprise instead. He also pointed out how the two players differ in passing, maneuvers, and skills.

"In that sense, you do think as a fan when you watch, you go, 'Ah, we're watching something different here." He continued. " I think fans love that. Both are so good for basketball, and that's why sports are just the best."

While Lin was not that great in his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 2.6 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game, his best season as a youngster came with the Knicks. He averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds.

Clark, on the other hand, was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Beyond historical comparisons, Clark and the Indiana Fever remain entirely focused on a highly competitive schedule ahead.

The Indiana Fever Target Defensive Calibration

So far this season, the Fever have had a rocky path, holding a 6-5 record. They have also been defensively on the weaker side, allowing 86.6 points per game.

They are also vulnerable in the paint, allowing 41.3 points per game and ranking 12th in the league in that category.

Clark recently addressed the need to improve the defense, after the Fever's hard-fought win over the Washington Mystics 78-76.

"No, it’s W. It’s a win for us." Clark said. "We’re happy about that, but you go back and look at everything and find a way to improve, and certainly improve our defense the best we can."

Amid the defensive struggles, the Fever and Clark have been brilliant offensively, averaging 88.2 points per game.

The 2024 No. 1 pick has also been fantastic, averaging 18.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.

The Fever will play the Chicago Sky on Thursday, June 11. They will look to continue improving their defense and grab another win. The Sky, on the other hand, are on a three-game losing streak and needs a win.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Koushik Biswas