Video: Caitlin Clark Talks Kobe Bryant Inspiration After 1st WNBA Win with Fever | News, Scores, Hig

Publish date: 2024-08-05
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 24: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 24, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

After helping the Indiana Fever secure the team's first win of the season on Friday night, Caitlin Clark discussed how NBA legend Kobe Bryant has inspired her.

"I guess that's just the mentality you have to have as a competitor," Clark said. "It's just, you want those moments, you embrace those moments when your team needs a big shot. I was able to create a little separation and get the shot off. Would have been nice to hit a few more of those tonight, but we got the job done when we needed to."

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina

Caitlin Clark on Kobe Bryant's inspiration <a href="https://t.co/lcT6MT8GQD">pic.twitter.com/lcT6MT8GQD</a>

The 22-year-old was wearing the Lakers legend's shoes during Indiana's victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, Bryant's old stomping grounds. Clark hasn't been shy about her preference for the shoes, calling them the "best things in the world" after Friday's game.

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula

Caitlin Clark's sneaker rotation to start her WNBA rookie season:<br><br>• "Bruce Lee" Kobe 5<br>• "Italian Camo" Kobe 6<br>• "Grinch" Kobe 6<br>• "All Star" Kobe 6 <a href="https://t.co/rqsOUmtaxA">pic.twitter.com/rqsOUmtaxA</a>

While she shot just 4-of-14 from the field against Los Angeles, she still finished with an impressive all-around game by recording a career-high 10 rebounds and dishing out eight assists to go along with her 11 points.

With the Fever clinging onto a two-point lead and just over 40 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Clark buried a deep step-back triple to give Indiana some breathing room and help secure the victory.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

CAITLIN CLARK WITH THE DAGGER 🔥🔥🔥<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WNBA</a>)<a href="https://t.co/UkJcQYDVDa">pic.twitter.com/UkJcQYDVDa</a>

Although she's still looking to find her shooting rhythm, the former Iowa standout appears to be growing more and more comfortable with each WNBA appearance.

Clark will look to help the Fever record consecutive victories on Saturday, as Indiana faces off against the Las Vegas Aces. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET.

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