During a standout game against the Dallas Wings, Caitlin Clark demonstrated why her playmaking abilities have earned widespread acclaim. On July 14, 2025, the Indiana Fever secured a decisive 102-83 win, highlighted not only by Clark’s individual stats but by how effectively she elevated the entire team’s performance. This game also featured a matchup against Paige Bueckers, another No. 1 overall pick, further emphasizing Clark’s unique talents.
The focus on Caitlin Clark’s best playmaking traits has intensified following this victory, with an ex-NFL player providing key insights into what sets her apart in the WNBA.
Ex-NFL Wide Receiver James Jones Explains What Sets Clark Apart
James Jones, former wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, appeared on FS1’s The Facility after the Fever’s win to share his perspective on Clark’s influence. Jones drew parallels between Clark’s style and the role of top NFL quarterbacks, emphasizing her ability to improve her teammates’ performance.
“She’s like one of the better NFL QBs: she makes everyone around her better.” —James Jones, ex-NFL wide receiver
Jones acknowledged some challenges Clark faced during the season but praised her general impact on the court.
“This year’s been injured, and she’s having a little down year, sure, but Caitlin Clark makes everybody around her better, she’s like one of the good quarterbacks in the NFL, she just makes everybody around her so much better,”
Jones said.
Clark contributed 14 points on 4-of-12 shooting, along with 13 assists and five steals in that game. While Bueckers scored 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, Clark’s playmaking led to a season-high in assists, tying for the second-most in her career. Clark directly influenced 41 of the Fever’s 102 points through scoring or assists, marking her 17th points-assists double-double.
“I thought my playmaking was good,” Clark said after the game. “There was no reason for me to really shoot that much. I think we were just firing on all cylinders. Moving the ball well, getting to the next action, playing out of pick-and-roll well.” —Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever guard
Clark’s Playmaking Establishes Her as a Historical Contributor
Caitlin Clark’s ability to create opportunities for teammates has become her signature. Statistically, she holds the record for the most points-assists double-doubles in Indiana Fever history and ranks tied for fifth in the entire WNBA, alongside Natasha Cloud.
Notably, all four players ahead of Clark — Courtney Vandersloot, Alyssa Thomas, Sue Bird, and Ticha Penicheiro — have played over 300 games, whereas Clark has reached this level of achievement in only 52 games across two seasons. This highlights her rapid ascent as one of the league’s most impactful players.
“But if you look at what she did last year as a rookie, I mean it was phenomenal, we’re talking about triple doubles, 10 plus assists a game, she is truly, truly like that, she is a treat to watch, and she has lived up to the hype,” Jones explained.
Record-Breaking Rookie Season Sets Stage for Success
In her rookie year, Clark made history by breaking the WNBA single-season rookie assist record with 232 assists, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s 1998 total of 224. This milestone underscores her unselfish style and dedication to fostering team success.
“I take a lot of pride in that,” Clark reflected after breaking the record in 2024 against the Seattle Storm. “I want to set my teammates up first and foremost, because that’s going to help you have the most successful team.” —Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever guard
Clark’s Influence Extends Beyond the Court to Growing the League
Clark’s talents have not just fueled team victories but also attracted significant viewership to the WNBA. James Jones revealed that he personally purchased a WNBA pass to watch Clark play, illustrating the draw of the young star.
During the 2024-25 season, the WNBA set records with over 54 million unique viewers across multiple networks including ABC, CBS, ESPN2, ION, and NBA TV. Twenty-two regular-season games broadcasted during that period averaged at least one million viewers, reflecting heightened interest in the league.
With the WNBA preparing to welcome three new expansion teams in the coming seasons, having high-profile players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Napheesa Collier, and Sabrina Ionescu is crucial to sustaining league growth and expanding its fan base.
Caitlin Clark’s Rising Legacy and Future Outlook
Clark’s exceptional playmaking skills continue to distinguish her as a transformative figure in women’s basketball. By consistently making those around her better, she embodies the traits celebrated in elite quarterbacks, according to James Jones. Her early career success, record-breaking performances, and ability to captivate audiences not only boost the Indiana Fever but also help elevate the WNBA’s profile on a national level.
As the league expands and competition intensifies, Clark’s role is expected to become even more influential, inspiring teammates and drawing fans. Her ability to orchestrate plays and deliver under pressure positions her as one of the pivotal stars shaping the future of professional women’s basketball.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Caitlin Clark with Taylor Swift at the Chiefs game?
A. Clark set a new NCAA record by making 162 three-pointers in one season. She is the first Big Ten women’s player to hit more than 500 career three-pointers, reaching a total of 509.
Q. Was Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor Swift at the game?
A. In Arrowhead Stadium, two women sat together in their private suite, watching the Chiefs win against the Houston Texans in the initial playoff game.
Q. How did Caitlin Clark end up with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark has been a dedicated fan of both the Chiefs and Taylor Swift for many years. She first received an invitation to join Swift at a Kansas City game after attending the singer’s Eras Tour at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Q. Taylor Swift gave WNBA star Caitlin Clark an enthusiastic hug as she watched her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs take one step closer to another Super Bowl win. The “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” singer, 35, hopped out of her seat to embrace Caitlin, 22, during the Chiefs game on January 18.
A. Is Caitlin Clark currently seated next to Taylor Swift?