WNBA legend names Caitlin Clark and Fever as her preferred championship pick

Former WNBA standout Lauren Jackson has publicly declared her preference for the Indiana Fever to claim the championship title in the upcoming playoffs. The Australian basketball legend highlighted the exceptional talents of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell as the main reasons behind her choice.

During a recent appearance on Sue Bird’s "Bird’s Eye View" podcast, Jackson expressed her admiration for Clark, praising her play when she gets "hot" as "epically awesome to watch." She further lauded Mitchell, describing her playing style as something she "loves."

Jackson's endorsement of the Fever may seem surprising, given their fifth-place standing in the WNBA at the break of the World Cup. However, their underlying statistics paint a different picture. The Fever boast the league’s highest offensive rating at 117.9, while Clark and Mitchell combined to average an impressive 47.5 points per game. Additionally, Aliyah Boston provides dependable interior scoring, rebounding, and defense, while Sophie Cunningham stretches the floor and offers necessary toughness.

When both Clark and Mitchell are in top form, they pose a formidable challenge to opponents, forcing them to defend nearly every inch of the half-court. Clark’s passing becomes a weapon against aggressive coverage, while Mitchell stands out as one of the league’s premier difficult-shot makers. This combination of offensive firepower and defensive resilience has already been evident in the regular season, as the Fever reached the semifinals despite playing without Clark.

Although Jackson's support does not guarantee a championship for the Fever, it does reflect the respect Indiana’s offense has earned. Jackson's career in women’s basketball is a testament to her understanding of championship-level play, having won two WNBA titles, earned three MVP awards, and built one of the most illustrious careers in the history of the sport. Her backing for the Fever, therefore, should not be dismissed but rather viewed as a reflection of the team’s potential to excel in the playoffs.