Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark continues to make a case for the WNBA MVP award. She is currently averaging 21.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, putting her third in the league in scoring and second in assists.
During the Fever's game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Clark dropped 22 points and 10 assists, extending her WNBA single-season record of 20-point, 10-assist games to nine.
With Clark leading the way, the Fever boast a 21-12 record, good for fourth in the WNBA standings. Indiana is only one and a half games behind the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces and three games behind the No. 2 Golden State Valkyries.
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Considering Clark's historic season, beloved college basketball announcer Dick Vitale is convinced that the Fever star has a legitimate shot at winning the MVP award this season.
"Yes @CaitlinClark22 will be legit contender for @WNBA MVP Caitlin is having a super year," Vitale wrote on Wednesday.
Given Vitale's decades of covering basketball and his status as one of the most popular broadcasters associated with ESPN, his opinion obviously carries some weight.
Many agreed with his take, with one even declaring that Clark is "THE FACE OF THE LEAGUE!"
"MVP," another fan declared.
A third supporter expressed belief that Clark's teammate Kelsey Mitchell is equally deserving: "Best back court in the WNBA and NBA @Kelz_Hoop @CaitlinClark22 Shared MVPs?"
Others, however, were not convinced that Clark still has a shot because of reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, who is having another big year with the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson leads the league in scoring (26.3 points) and blocks (2.1) and is third in rebounding (9.8).
"No she won’t lol not even in the same league as Wilson," a critic added. A poster echoed a similar sentiment, noting, "A’Ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA. It is not even debatable."
A sixth commenter argued that Mitchell is their pick over Clark, "I will have to respectfully disagree. Yes, she is an unbelievable player. I’m sure glad she is 1/2 of our backcourt…BUT @Kelz_Hoop is the MVP. Kelsey Money Mitchell is playing lights out."
It remains to be seen if Clark will be able to actually compete for the MVP award. However, if she's able to lead the Fever to a top two or three finish, she should be able to sway some votes in her favor.
