Let’s take a look into the world of WNBA and a recent revelation from one of the league’s rising stars, Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever rookie shared some surprising news on Saturday about a tough moment she faced earlier in the season.
Clark revealed to reporters that she suffered a ruptured eardrum from a hard screen while playing against the New York Liberty. This revelation came as she discussed her “welcome to the WNBA moment.”
According to Clark, “I actually ruptured my eardrum when we were in New York on a tough screen. So, if I had to pick one right now, it would probably be that. But, great screens. I just didn’t hear them. So, it’s kind of my own fault.”
The Indy Star reported that the incident occurred during a game on June 2 against the Liberty. Fans and analysts believe the screen that caused the injury was set by Jonquel Jones. During the play, Clark was guarding Courtney Vandersloot, and as the Liberty guard dribbled up the floor, Jones, a 6-foot-6 former WNBA MVP, set the screen that Clark ran into.
I think this was the play that ruptured Caitlin Clark’s eardrum on June 2 https://t.co/MnbhZ9XwR1 pic.twitter.com/nC1RtNJBVE
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) June 21, 2024
Interestingly, this wasn’t Clark’s first encounter with a hard screen from the Liberty. In May, during another game against New York, she hit the deck after a pick set by Breanna Stewart. These moments underscore the physicality and intensity of playing in the WNBA, even for a standout rookie like Clark.
Despite these challenges, Clark continues to shine on the court. She’s averaging 16.2 points per game this season and is currently second in All-Star votes, a testament to her skill and popularity among fans. The Indiana Fever are set to face the Chicago Sky on Sunday, and so far, the Fever have a perfect record against the Sky this season.
Clark’s experience highlights the tough adjustments rookies often have to make when transitioning to the professional level. The physicality, speed, and intensity of the WNBA can be a significant step up, even for the most talented players. Yet, Clark’s resilience and continued performance indicate she’s more than capable of handling these challenges.
As we follow Clark’s journey, it’s clear she’s not only a sharpshooter but also a player with the toughness and determination to succeed in the WNBA. Her story is a reminder of the grit required to compete at the highest levels of sport, and we’re excited to see how she continues to grow and impact the game.
