In the WNBA world, one thing is clear – Caitlin Clark is the biggest draw. She came with rampant buzz and has managed to live up to it. But even through the plethora of record-setting performances, Sheryl Swoopes couldn’t consider herself dominant. She said so while on Gil’s Arena, although she did term her to be “impressive”. Her remarks have landed her in hot waters with WNBA fans, and now even Dejounte Murray.

The Pelicans guard decided to take a sly dig at the fWNBA legend. An ESPN graphic displayed a range of records Clark has attained in her lone WNBA season. Murray, who has long supported the Indiana Fever guard went on to sarcastically comment, “She’s not DOMINATING”. The volume of laughing emoticons made it clear that his aim was none other than Swoopes.

This comes after her raging rift with ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. The renowned media personality called out the four-time WNBA champion for previously ignoring Clark when speaking about the Fever’s great improvement. Swoopes’ promptly responded through a fiery range of tweets, ultimately calling the 56-year-old a “coward”. Recently, their battle went south, with Smith calling her a “liar” for claiming he didn’t invite her to his show. But let’s put all that aside and speak about the woman in question.

Clark has led a surge in the WNBA since she came. Yes, some of her records are ones she wouldn’t want any association with such as the most turnovers to be recorded in a season. But her other feats are simply incredible. She already is the all-time leader in the most 25+ points and 10+ assists game and has served up the most dimes in a single WNBA season.

However, her impact is much more vast than just stats. Every single WNBA team saw their attendance soar in the times they faced off against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. Unsurprisingly, Indiana led the charts with over 17,000 fans watching their games in person on average. It’s more than what the Memphis Grizzlies could attract this season.

From those standpoints, Clark is a historic entity within the WNBA already. But her real basketball test begins with the playoffs where the Fever have a grueling matchup against the Connecticut Suns.

Caitlin Clark knows how to handle pressure

From the time she finished her final season at Iowa State, it was evident that Clark was made for the bright lights. The chants and infectious energy from crowds help her draw the most fearsome version of herself. With the Fever, it took her a while to set her feet within the group. The Fever began with an abysmal 1-8 record. But the moment the season break ended, a vicious Caitlin Clark arose.

She led the Fever to a 20-20 record while being the leading force on the team. Averaging 19.2 points and a league-best 8.4 assists, the 6’0″ guard is prepared to elevate her game. In terms of matchups, the Fever are the underdogs going up against a well-experienced Sun side. Every player of theirs has felt the adrenaline that comes with the postseason. On the Fever, no one has.

In their season series, the Sun won three of the four matchups, including Clark’s debut game. But it won’t be the first time odds are stacked up against the behemoth prodigy. Caitlin Clark seemingly enjoys high-pressure situations. During the NCAA Finals, she set the stage alight with 30 points. The challenge though is going to be getting her teammates to adjust to the pressure.

It promises to be an enticing matchup. One of the best offenses will face one of the most intimidating defenses in the league. It’s going to be arduous for Caitlin Clark and the Fever to clinch a victory. However, with the transcending talent on their side, ruling out an upset wouldn’t be wise.

Do you think Caitlin Clark will stand the pressure of the WNBA playoffs? Let us know your views in the comments below.