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The 10 Most Underrated Things About Caitlin Clark’s Game

Caitlin Clark gets plenty of praise—and rightfully so. But even with all the headlines and highlight reels, there are still parts of her game that fly under the radar.

Sure, everyone knows about the logo threes and the swagger, but it’s the smaller, subtler details that make her a truly complete player. From hustle plays to basketball IQ, here are 10 underrated elements of Caitlin Clark’s game that deserve a little more love.

10. Her Rebounding Instincts

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) rebounds the ball Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Indiana Fever, 80-61.
Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

She’s not the tallest on the floor, but she always seems to be in the right spot when the ball comes off the rim. Caitlin reads rebounds like a center and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint.

9. Her Off-Ball Movement

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) and center Brittney Griner (42).
Grace Smith / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

People focus on what she does with the ball, but her movement without it is just as impressive. She keeps defenders guessing and constantly creates space for herself and teammates.

8. Her Leadership Style

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) greets Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

She leads with intensity, but also with a calm confidence that sets the tone for her team. It’s not always about yelling—she communicates like a veteran who’s been through it all.

7. Her Transition Vision

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) goes up for a basket Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Indiana Fever, 80-61.
Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

When the game gets fast, Caitlin gets even faster—mentally. She sees the floor in transition like a quarterback with eyes in the back of her head.

6. Her Defensive Awareness

Jul 9, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

She may not be a lockdown defender, but she reads passing lanes like a seasoned pro. Caitlin racks up sneaky steals simply by being in the right place at the right time.

5. Her Stamina

Jul 9, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the first half against Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Her energy levels never seem to dip, even in the fourth quarter. She’s constantly moving, thinking, and attacking with the same intensity from start to finish.

4. Her Screen Usage

Jul 9, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

She doesn’t just use screens—she manipulates them. Whether she’s curling off, slipping by, or dragging defenders into chaos, Caitlin knows exactly how to weaponize a screen.

3. Her Passing Variety

Jun 24, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes the ball during the first half against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Everyone loves a flashy assist, but Caitlin’s passing bag goes way deeper than that. From bounce passes to skip feeds to no-look zips, she delivers every type of dime you can imagine.

Read more: Ranking All 30 NBA Logos From Worst to Best

2. Her Mental Toughness

Jul 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half during the Commissioner's Cup final at Target Center.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

She’s taken criticism, pressure, and expectations—and never blinked. Caitlin’s ability to block out noise and keep hooping is as impressive as anything else she does.

Read more: Ranking the 10 NHL Players With the Highest Hockey IQ

1. Her Basketball IQ

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) arrives for the NCAA Tournament championship basketball game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Sunday, April 7, 2024 in Cleveland.
Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s not just raw talent—it’s her mind that sets her apart. Caitlin sees the game several steps ahead, and that genius-level court sense is what makes everything else click.

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