Katie Lou Samuelson Takes the Fall for Caitlin Clark’s Traumatic WNBA Start: “People Are Playing Her Hard”

One of the best parts about getting Caitlin Clark on Christie Sides’ Indiana roster was the fact that she created space for other teammates. However, seems like the same is not being replicated so far as she needs the ball in her hands for that. After losing their first game by 21 points, the Indiana Fever were blown out by 36 points last night. Taking just 8 shots tonight, Clark wasn’t at her offensive best as the night ended with major disappointment for Indiana. Veterans like Katie Lou Samuelson do believe that they have a lot to work on. One is that Clark should get more chances to be herself.

Talking to the reporters in her post-game press conference, Lou stood up for Clark. She talked about how the teams are heavily screening the rookie, “People are playing her hard, people are playing her aggressively.” Adding how the team can put in more effort, she said, “We can do a better job trying to help her get some space and help her get some freedom. But we trust her and we want to keep figuring out how to work with her in the best way.”

Showing her disbelief on how every player of every team is keeping Caitlin Clark from receiving the ball, Samuelson said, “I think we can continue to help her get some space because teams are really really hounding her, full court, 94 feet. So, we got to do some stuff as a unit to just flow better with that.”

Together, Lou and Clark added 19 points for Indiana at their home game. However, the No. 33 of the Fever also knows that the squad has a lot more they could do for their fans, including the popular faces that dropped to watch them play.

Lisa Bluder and more reached Indiana to cheer on Caitlin Clark

Earlier this week, Iowa’s former head coach Lisa Bluder, who has established herself as one of the best coaches in NCAA history, announced her retirement. Seemingly, she is already enjoying her retirement as she flew to her prodigy’s WNBA home opener. Along with her, Jan Jensen, the new coach of the Hawkeyes, also came to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Moreover, Clark’s huge fan Pat McAfee also drove down to watch her go against the 2023 WNBA finalists. Myles Turner of the Pacers was also present in the sold-out crowd of 17,274 Fever fans.

Caitlin Clark and Co. are on the rise. Consequently, keeping everyone happy, especially the fans, is quite essential for the team. However, there is no denying that the rookie does need some time to get to know the league a little better. As the season moves on, it will be worth watching how Clark is able to change the conditions for the Fever.