Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has undergone a striking transformation in her views on Caitlin Clark, a player she once seemed far from enthusiastic about. Earlier this summer, Reeve’s frustration with the attention surrounding the Indiana Fever rookie was evident, particularly when a Lynx preseason game was overshadowed by the buzz around Clark. The disparity in media coverage appeared to irritate Reeve, leading some to perceive her response as a touch of pettiness.
Reeve’s discontent with Clark became even more apparent when a reporter questioned Clark’s exclusion from the U.S. Olympic team, which Reeve coached. Despite the legitimate nature of the inquiry—given Clark’s undeniable talent and the surprise her omission sparked—Reeve’s terse response made it clear she wasn’t interested in discussing the young star.
However, a notable shift has taken place. Ahead of the Lynx’s recent matchup against Clark’s Indiana Fever, Reeve offered high praise for the rookie, lauding her exceptional play and significant contributions to the WNBA—a stark contrast to her earlier criticisms.
“The single best thing that [Clark] does is play with incredible pace,” Reeve remarked. “Pace can get you really far, and there’s great value in that. Pace and passing, it’s what makes her exceptional in my mind.”
Clark’s performances since the international break have been nothing short of stellar, particularly in her dominant display against the Phoenix Mercury. Her consistently high level of play has not only garnered widespread recognition but also seems to have won over Reeve, who now acknowledges the profound impact Clark is making on the league.