Cheryl Miller has acknowledged that she would struggle to manage the physicality from opponents as gracefully as Caitlin Clark has.Indiana Fever

Indiana Fever rookie star Caitlin Clark is amidst a historic season in the WNBA.

It’s remarkable that she consistently performs at such a high level, not only as a first-year professional but also while enduring the intense physical challenges imposed by her competitors.

The significant attention she’s garnered has posed challenges for Clark, but her composure remains notably praiseworthy.

Basketball icon Cheryl Miller has acknowledged that she would struggle to manage the physicality from opponents as gracefully as Clark has.

“Cheryl back in the day?…See the Cheryl back in the day grew up with brothers so I didn’t fight like this [scratching],” Miller said while gesturing a punch during an episode of ‘Come And Talk 2 Me’ podcast.

 

“I was like an Ali. I wasn’t the type to get a running start at somebody, I would’ve composed myself and then [throws punch]. Then everyone would’ve been like ‘Did she throw a punch?’ Then I’m walking away. So I would’ve handled my business either during that moment, and I would’ve been caught up in the moment.”

However, Miller commended Clark for her remarkable restraint in the face of her opponents’ detrimental tactics.

“But I’m glad at how Caitlin handled the situation, I truly am,” Miller said.

Caitlin Clark has certainly experienced her share of knocks on the court, which she appears to have accepted as an inherent aspect of life as a professional basketball player.

“I think everybody is physical with me, they get away with things that probably other people don’t get away with,” Clark said back in May, per Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star.

“It’s tough, but that’s just the fact of the matter. This is a very physical game, and you’re going to get pressure, this is professional basketball. It is what it is, honestly.”

As a strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year Award, Clark’s performance speaks volumes on the court.

Leading the league with an average of 8.4 assists per game, and scoring 18.7 points and 5.6 rebounds, her constant possession of the ball draws considerable attention from opponents. They exert as much pressure as possible on the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer.

Clark’s exceptional play has been pivotal in reversing the Fever’s fortunes, positioning Indiana to make their first WNBA playoff appearance since 2016.