Caitlin Clark wouldn’t be one of the superstars of women’s basketball if it weren’t for her electrifying performances on the court. However, the Indiana Fever star isn’t invincible either, and in fact, has been struggling in her recent matches. After losing against the Golden State Valkyries, Clark reflected on her struggle with perfectionism in her games.

Speaking on Thursday, the former Iowa standout, who scored 11 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, shared her feelings on how she became a burden trying to be flawless in every match this season.

“It’s a 44-game season. I’m not going to play perfect for 44 games. I think that’s where I really kind of struggled last year at times. I held myself to such a level of perfection every night that I wasn’t really giving myself much grace. I didn’t play very well at Golden State, and to me, like, I wasn’t defeated after the game. Was I upset at the way my team performed? Absolutely,” Clark said.

In reference, Caitlin Clark scored 32 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists on June 14’s game against the New York Liberty, the moment she returned to the court after a three-week absence due to injury. She then scored 20 points and six rebounds in the following game against the Connecticut Sun, where she got involved in a heated confrontation.

Referencing her impressive games, Clark realized she wouldn’t always have those stellar nights and was stressed about playing the game.

“You have to look at it in a best possible manner you can and that’s kind of where I have grown the most is just allowing myself some grace and knowing, not every night is going to be perfect. Two games prior to our last game, I had been shooting the ball incredibly well, so it’s just statistics, but overall, we need to play a better game,” Clark added.

Jun 22, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) is defended by Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and guard Dana Evans (11) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark had just spent her first year in the WNBA, already solidifying herself as one of the biggest names in the league. After the loss against Golden State, the Indiana Fever superstar candidly revealed how she handles intense scrutiny and made up for those in the offseason.

“I think it’s just refreshing to get a little time to yourself and to take a little time away from basketball, get better at things you want to get better at. But more than anything, having a year under your belt, of playing in this league, and understanding what this takes, it brings me a sense of confidence,” Clark said.

Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (left) fouls Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Suffering from a two-game losing skid, Caitlin Clark and the Fever will face the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.