Skip Bayless identifies Caitlin Clark change making Fever star even harder to guard

Caitlin Clark has rediscovered her scoring touch during the Indiana Fever’s four-game winning streak, but Skip Bayless believes one specific change has made the superstar guard even more dangerous. Clark delivered another brilliant performance Tuesday, scoring a team-high 32 points in Indiana’s 105-95 victory over the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena. She shot 9-of-14 from the field while adding seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block.

While Clark’s deep shooting received plenty of attention, Bayless was especially impressed by her willingness to attack the basket and absorb contact.

Skip Bayless praises Caitlin Clark’s aggressive approach

Clark produced her biggest scoring burst in the third quarter, pouring in 16 of Indiana’s 18 points to keep the Fever in front. After watching the three-time All-Star take over, Bayless pointed to the combination of Clark’s renewed confidence from long range and her increased aggression around the basket.

Caitlin Clark is finally regaining her deep-3 confidence ... plus more than ever she's putting her head down and driving through contact ... which is making her extremely difficult to guard. She has 30 through 3 quarters at Seattle.

“Caitlin Clark is finally regaining her deep-3 confidence … plus more than ever she’s putting her head down and driving through contact … which is making her extremely difficult to guard,” Bayless wrote.

That willingness to drive has forced defenders into an increasingly uncomfortable decision. Pressing Clark too closely on the perimeter gives her an opportunity to get downhill, but providing extra space allows one of the WNBA’s most dangerous shooters to launch from well beyond the arc.The numbers support Bayless’ observation.

Clark has averaged 30.3 points while shooting 55.9 percent from the field over Indiana’s past four games. She has also made 9.5 free throws on 10 attempts per game during that stretch, a significant jump from her previous averages of 4.7 makes on 5.5 attempts.

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Caitlin Clark’s scoring surge powers Fever winning streak

Clark’s recent run began with a spectacular performance against Seattle on July 17. She erupted for 45 points and 10 assists while attempting 19 free throws and making 17. Her aggressiveness has continued since then, helping the Fever win four consecutive games and build momentum during a critical portion of the season.

Clark did most of the damage through three quarters Tuesday before Kelsey Mitchell took command down the stretch. Mitchell finished with 28 points as the Fever’s star backcourt combined for 60. The pressure created by Clark’s drives also opens opportunities for her teammates. Once help defenders collapse into the paint, she can use her elite passing ability to find open shooters or create easier scoring chances inside.

Clark entered the league with nearly unlimited shooting range and extraordinary court vision. If she continues getting to the basket and drawing fouls at this rate, opposing defenses will have one more problem to solve. Bayless is certainly convinced the adjustment has elevated Clark’s game. Based on her recent production and Indiana’s winning streak, it is difficult to argue otherwise.

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