Caitlin Clark prioritizing rest over 3-point contest during WNBA All-Star weekend

Caitlin Clark reportedly turned down an offer to participate in the WNBA’s 3-Point Contest. On Friday, the Indiana Fever standout explained her decision.

“I think just rest,” Clark said. “I’ve been playing basketball for a year straight. That’s not an easy thing to just show up to and shoot off of a rack. It’s not something I’ve ever done before. It’s not something I’ve had a lot of time to practice. I’ve been focusing on helping my team win games. 

“So I think just enjoying this break, I think there’s going to be plenty of opportunities for me to do that at some point… I need a break, and I need to take some time for myself to enjoy what I want to do.”

Clark and the Fever have played 26 games, the most of any team in the WNBA. Moreover, Clark had no time to rest before the WNBA season began. Clark’s final collegiate season came to an end on April 7. Only eight days later, the Fever selected her with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Despite any exhaustion, Clark has been fantastic at the next level. The former Iowa standout is averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 40.5% from the field and 32.7% from beyond the arc.

Clark has recorded 71 3-pointers this season thus far, putting her in a three-way tie with Kelsey Plum and Arike Ogunbowale for third-most 3-pointers made in the league. While Clark will not participate in the 3-point Contest, she’s excited to root on her fellow WNBA sharpshooters.

“The field of shooters that we have in the competition are really good, they’re all like near 40% [three-point] shooters,” Clark said. “I’m excited for them, I’ll be there supporting them, and it’ll be fun.”

Clark won’t have long to rest. On Saturday, Clark will participate in the WNBA All-Star Game. Clark and Team WNBA will square off against the USA Women’s National Team at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Is Caitlin Clark pulling away in WNBA ROTY race?

Clark may be adding more accolades to her résumé in the near future. The 6-foot star is currently locked in a fierce battle with Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese for the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. However, after tallying a WNBA-record 19 assists earlier this week, Clark may be gaining separation in some experts’ eyes.

“Going into the All-Star break, I certainly see Caitlin Clark as the favorite,” ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo said. “You talked about her accounting for more than 60 of her team’s points last night. She has scored or assisted on more points than any other player this season, she has scored or assisted on a higher percentage of her team’s points than any other player in the league. Not any other rookie in the league, any other player in the league. 

“And considering that she’s doing this by getting more defensive attention than any player in the league. Greeny, Indiana has played the toughest strength of schedule to date. So right now because of what she’s doing on the offensive end of the floor, certainly my vote would go to Caitlin Clark.”