Caitlin Clark Says She ‘Wouldn’t Be as Good of a Player’ If It Wasn’t for Her ‘Fire and Passion’ on the Court

Anna Lazarus CaplanTue, June 9, 2026 at 8:43 PM UTC

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Caitlin ClarkCredit: A.J. Mast/NBAE via Getty -

Caitlin Clark addressed criticism of her style of play

"I don't think I would be as good of a player if I was very stoic and straight-faced all the time," the WNBA star said

Clark hit the game-winning 3-pointer on June 8 against the Washington Mystics

Caitlin Clark is clapping back after being called out for demonstrative behavior that some critics say has detracted from the game.

The WNBA star, 24, addressed the criticism after the Indiana Fever beat the Washington Mystics, 78-76, thanks to the guard's last-second 3-pointer.

"I don't think I would be as good of a player if I was very stoic and straight-faced all the time," Clark told reporters.

"I think basketball's one of the best environments to do that because the fans are right on top of you. You get to see the player that you idolize," she said. "It's a little different in football or in baseball, like you're on the field or whatever it is."

Clark continued, "Basketball is one where you can feel like you're really connected and a part of the craze with your favorite player, and I think that's why a lot of people have enjoyed watching me over the course of my career, is that they've been able to enjoy the fun and enjoy the ride with me along the way."

Caitlin Clark in the June 4, 2026, game against the Atlanta Dream.Credit: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty

The Fever star added that she thrives on the support she gets from fans and other people "pushing me to be better."

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Clark's 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining on the clock was the athlete's first go-ahead basket in the final minute of a game in her WNBA career, according to CBS Sports.

As her third year gets underway, Clark has had to contend with distractions, including rumors of a rift with head coach Stephanie White and an injury-report incident in which a Fever beat reporter's credentials were revoked.

After only playing in 13 games last season, Clark is recognizing there is always room for improvement — even for the former Rookie of the Year.

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"The fire and the passion, that's what makes me, me," she said.

"You never want to lose that. Honestly, I feel like I could probably play with a little bit more of that lately," she continued. "I feel like that smile, my joy and that excitement that people love, I think more of that will help this team."

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”