In the 2024 WNBA season, Caitlyn Clark had an unforgettable rookie year, shattering records and proving herself as one of the most talented players in the league. She not only set the record for the most points by a rookie in a single season but also dished out more assists than any other rookie in WNBA history. Her on-court performances, including dazzling three-pointers and impressive triple-doubles, left fans and analysts in awe. However, while her achievements were impressive, one of her most significant contributions was not a statistic or an award—it was her role in revitalizing the career of her teammate, Lexi Hull.

Hull, a standout player throughout high school and college, had a promising start to her basketball career. In high school, she was the star player, leading her team to an undefeated season and earning tournament MVP honors. She continued her success at Stanford University, where she was a key player in helping the team secure a national championship. Hull’s skills made her a top prospect, and in 2022, she was selected as the 6th overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft. At first, it seemed like a fairytale story—a high school superstar, a college champion, and now a WNBA lottery pick.

However, Hull’s transition to the WNBA was far from smooth. She went from being a reliable college scorer to barely making an impact on the professional stage. Her playing time decreased dramatically, and her numbers fell drastically. In her first two seasons, she averaged less than 4 points per game, and her three-point shooting was at a dismal 18%. This marked a troubling time in Hull’s career, as poor statistics in the WNBA can often lead to being waived—essentially ending a player’s career. Despite the setback, the Indiana Fever decided to give Hull another shot in her second season, but her improvement was marginal at best.

However, everything began to change when Caitlyn Clark joined the Fever in 2024. Clark, a playmaking genius known for her incredible court vision, quickly became the catalyst for Hull’s revival. Throughout the first 16 games of the season, Clark consistently set Hull up for open three-point opportunities, and Hull’s shooting began to improve. From a career-low 18%, Hull’s three-point shooting increased to a respectable 35%. While this was a marked improvement, her career still seemed uncertain. She was still struggling to find her rhythm and was averaging just 3.6 points per game.

The real turning point came during the WNBA’s month-long break for the Paris Olympics. With no games to focus on, Hull and Clark spent more time together off the court, bonding and becoming close friends. Their friendship deepened, and this connection began to translate into their on-court chemistry. When the Fever returned to action in mid-August, Hull’s game had transformed. Her confidence surged, and she began hitting shots at a remarkable rate. Over the next few games, she hit 10 three-pointers on just 13 attempts, a clear sign of her newfound confidence. Her improvement wasn’t just in the statistics; her entire demeanor on the court changed. She was playing with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

Hull’s transformation didn’t just impact her own career—it also helped the Fever turn their season around. After a poor 1-9 start to the season, the Fever went on an impressive 7-1 run, largely thanks to Hull’s contributions. She was no longer just a bench player; she had become a vital part of the team’s success. In fact, during the final stretch of the season, Hull was playing nearly 30 minutes per game and shooting an astonishing 63% from beyond the arc. This turnaround was nothing short of remarkable, and it was clear that Hull had gone from a player on the brink of being cut to a crucial contributor on a team that was now a legitimate championship contender.

The key to this transformation was Caitlyn Clark’s ability to understand Hull on a deeper level. Clark knew exactly where Hull would be on the court and trusted her to knock down the shots when it mattered most. The two players had developed an almost telepathic connection, with Clark’s sharp passes and Hull’s ability to hit shots creating a deadly combination. The Fever’s success was no longer just about individual performances; it was about the bond between these two players who had elevated each other’s games to new heights.

Lexi Hull’s journey from a struggling player to a rising star in the WNBA is a testament to the power of teamwork, leadership, and friendship. Caitlyn Clark, with her ability to elevate the players around her, showed that being a superstar is about more than just putting up big numbers. It’s about making those around you better and lifting them up when they need it most. Thanks to Clark, Hull’s career has been revitalized, and the Fever are now a team to be reckoned with in the WNBA.