INDIANA FEVER
Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark's Impact: A Game-Changer for the WNBA, Says Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman

Nancy Lieberman praises Caitlin Clark for her transformative impact on the WNBA, comparing her influence to sports legends Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark makes a big impression on Nancy...
Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark makes a big impression on Nancy Lieberman(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)LAPRESSE
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During the Indiana Fever's game against the Dallas Wings on Saturday, Nancy Lieberman, a Basketball Hall of Famer, offered high praise for Caitlin Clark, highlighting her as a transformative figure in the WNBA. Clark, who has been a standout player since her college days, is now being recognized for elevating the WNBA to new heights. According to Lieberman, Clark's influence on the game could be as profound as that of Tiger Woods in golf or Michael Jordan in basketball.

"When I walked in here before the game, there were hundreds of fans lined up. What Caitlin Clark has done for the game is generational," Lieberman said.

"As a baller to a baller, I want to say thank you to Caitlin Clark for lifting our game up. You and so many great players. But what you're doing, you will make all these women multi-millionaires one day. Like Tiger did, like Michael Jordan did. We shouldn't hate on her, we should celebrate her, not tolerate her", Added Nancy.

A Shift in Perspective and Legacy

Lieberman's comments stand out, especially in light of the recent controversy surrounding Sheryl Swoopes, who had been critical of Clark. This criticism led to backlash from sports analysts like Stephen A. Smith, who felt that Swoopes failed to recognize the positive impact Clark has had on the sport.

Caitlin Clark has had to overcome significant adversity during her early years in the WNBA. From the start, Clark faced an onslaught of criticism and even direct hostility from some of her peers. Notably, A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces remarked that Clark only received attention because she is white. Meanwhile, players from the Chicago Sky made several flagrant fouls against her, and she was inexplicably left off the Olympic team despite her talent.

In the game itself, the Indiana Fever secured a 100-93 victory over the Dallas Wings, marking their fourth consecutive win and pushing them above .500 to a 17-16 record. Clark, continuing to prove her value on the court, finished with an impressive 28 points, 12 assists, and four rebounds. Her performance not only contributes to her team's success but also reinforces Lieberman's assertion that Clark is a generational talent deserving of recognition and celebration.

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