Does Caitlin Clark need a break?

Caitlin Clark has been forced to contend with a seriously busy schedule in 2024, and WNBA icon Rebecca Lobo fears she could suffer from burnout if she is not given a rest.

After starting the season 0-5, the Fever finally got their elusive first win of the season, which was a first for Clark too since she was drafted in April.

Fan support makes Caitlin Clark feel at home despite away win

Clark – the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft – netted a long three-pointer near the end of regulation time to seal the victory, with the Fever prevailing 78-73 against the Los Angeles Sparks.

The 22-year-old has endured a difficult start to life in the WNBA after being used to being the star name in the NCAA with the Iowa Hawkeyes. But with every game she is becoming more of an asset for the Fever, something that Lobo thinks could actually work against her.

The WNBA legend – now an analyst for ESPN – floated the idea Friday that Clark may need to sit out of their next game against the Sparks, with the Fever scheduled to take on the LA outfit and the Las Vegas Aces on consecutive nights.

“Curious if the @IndianaFever will rest @CaitlinClark22 (31 mg) and @Kelz_Hoop [Kelsey Mitchell] (ankle) against the Aces tomorrow,” Lobo posted on X.

“It will be Indy’s 3rd road game in 4 days and the 7th game in 12 days. Would stink for the CC fans in Vegas but might be the smart move for player health and safety.”

Lobo later added that the Fever are the only WNBA team to play 11 games in 20 days this season, which has only ever happened one other time since 2007.

Clark’s busy schedule

Clark may not show signs of being jaded, but her schedule has been exhausting of the past 12 months with barely any time to escape basketball.

In her final season at Iowa, Clark broke the all-time points scoring record in the NCAA Division I and took her team to the National Championship game. Only a matter of weeks later, she was drafted by the Fever and immediately began training with her new team.

While the NBA has a load management protocol in place, the WNBA doesn’t have such a program as their players can only play 40 games – and it be down to Fever head coach Christie Sides to decide whether to sit out Clark for one game or not.