Caitlin Clark has revealed she turned down the chance to participate in the 3-point contest during WNBA All-Star weekend because she needed “rest.”
Clark, who has emerged as the biggest star in women’s basketball over the past year, was offered the opportunity to compete in the league on Friday night, but she declined the invitation prior to Saturday’s All-Star Game.
The Indiana Fever rookie was criticized after she ignored the 3-point contest, with ESPN analyst David Dennis Jr. furious that she had “no excuse” to do so.
Still, speaking to reporters ahead of the skills challenge, Clark admitted she has to prioritize her own health and well-being after a hectic year in the sport.
“Honestly, I think I just need to rest,” she said when asked why she wasn’t competing. “I’ve been playing basketball non-stop for a year.
Caitlin Clark has revealed she turned down the chance to participate in the 3-point contest at WNBA All-Star weekend because she needed ‘rest’
“That’s not something you can just do and shoot off a rack. It’s not something I’ve ever done before. It’s not something I’ve had a lot of time to practice.
“So I’m just enjoying this break. I think at some point there will be a lot of opportunities for me to do this.
Clark has had a successful year, reaching the March Madness Championship game with Iowa and then being selected first overall by Indiana in the WNBA Draft.
The 22-year-old made a strong start in the big leagues, setting several records and leading the WNBA in assists per game (8.2).
In addition to Clark, New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu also turned down an offer to participate in Friday night’s 3-point contest, albeit without giving a reason.
The challenge consists of Jonquel Jones from New York, Allisha Gray from Atlanta, Marina Mabrey from Connecticut, Stefanie Dolson from Washington and Kayla McBride from Minnesota.
“The field of shooters that we have in the league is really good. They’re all close to 40 percent shooters,” Clark continued. “So I’m excited for them, I’ll be there to support them and it’ll be fun.
Clark, who will play in the All-Star Game on Saturday, admits she is prioritizing her well-being
Sabrina Ionescu also missed the chance to participate in the 3-point contest on Friday
‘But yeah, I think the most important thing for me is that I need a break and I need to take time for myself to enjoy what I want to do.
‘Sometimes it’s difficult in the situation I’m in, but I think it’s the healthiest thing for me.’
The absence of Clark and Ionescu will be noticeable during Friday’s game in Phoenix, as they are both among the league’s most prolific three-pointers.
Clark’s 32.7 percent three-point accuracy ranks just 37th in the league, but she has made 71 shots from distance this season, which is good for third in the league.
Ionescu now ranks second in three-pointers made with 74 this season and is 24th in accuracy at 35.6 percent.