Caitlin Clark silences critics by turning biggest weakness into strength

The Indiana Fever wrapped up their five-game home stand on Sunday with an impressive 102-83 win over the Dallas Wings, which came with a massive defensive performance from star guard Caitlin Clark. In just her third game back from injury, she silenced her doubters.

Clark's lack of defensive skill has been where most of her criticism has come from. But in Sunday's game, she absolutely attacked Dallas with five steals and one block - which set the internet ablaze. This game had all eyes on it due to it being the first time that Clark and Paige Bueckers have faced each other professionally, both the WNBA's brightest young stars.

She's always been known for her deep threes and picking apart defenses with her fast-break offensive tempo. Clark's size has always put her at a disadvantage defensively, but she looked like a completely different player against the Wings. The Fever as a unit were efficient at smothering them, forcing 18 turnovers and capitalizing on the offensive end. Clark's injury didn't appear to bother her at all. She took a hard fall to the floor and was slow to get up after driving to the basket on what seemed like it would be an open layup, but the play was broken up.

Caitlin Clark has grown despite facing injuries

Halfway through the second quarter, the audience was treated to an enormous block by Clark on the Wings' JJ Quinerly on a driving layup which opened the door for a long full-court throw to Sophie Cunningham for an easy bucket. Creating major opportunities for herself and her teammates by being more focused on not giving up on a play has been an area she has quickly grown in.

Sitting out twice this season due to injury has really given Caitlin Clark a different perspective on the game. It forced her to sit back and analyze it with a change in angle. Playing defense is the weakest part of her game, but there's been a noticeable turnaround to this within the last couple of games. Head coach Stephanie White has focused on improving the team's overall defense, an area they have struggled with collectively.

It appeared after coming back from injury the second time Clark lost her luster. Her shots weren't falling, she wasn't seen hustling on both ends of the floor and fans were left wondering where the Fever go from here. Their star player wasn't producing on either end of the floor.

Clark has emphasized improving her game defensively and expressed her commitment to playing better. The win against the Wings displayed her potential when playing defense with full effort. CC plays best when playing fast, so she has that advantage over most opponents, which makes up some for her lack of size and frame.

Clark wasn't afraid to pressure the Wings and fight for the ball which led to her forcing the five steals. In fact, it was very clear that she quickly committed early in the game to incorporating full-court pressure.

It's almost as though Clark and Bueckers switched roles in their first pro meeting. Bueckers has always been known as a solid defensive player, which is what always made their match-ups in college so intriguing. Fans knew they were going to get a show when the best offensive player (Clark) went head-to-head with the best defensive player (Bueckers).

The goal from here should be for Clark and the Fever to continue the momentum despite having the upcoming All-Star break. They'll face the Connecticut Sun in Boston on Tuesday.