Caitlin Clark’s rise to stardom in the WNBA has been nothing short of meteoric. But as the Indiana Fever’s sophomore sensation endures the most challenging stretch of her professional career, fans and analysts alike are asking: Has the league finally cracked the code on how to stop her?

A recent viral video circulating on social media claims to reveal the answer. The clip, now dissected by thousands of fans and basketball analysts, suggests that Clark’s shooting woes are less about a temporary slump and more about a concerted, tactical effort by WNBA defenses to neutralize her greatest weapon: the deep three.

A Record-Breaking Slump

The numbers are eye-popping. Over a recent three-game stretch, Clark shot just 1-for-23 from beyond the arc—a dismal 4.3% success rate. Expand that to four games, and she’s 3-for-28, or 10.7%, the lowest mark in league history for any player attempting at least 25 threes in a four-game span.

Her struggles have continued. Against the Atlanta Dream, Clark managed 12 points and 9 assists, but again shot just 1-of-7 from deep. In the following matchup with the Dallas Wings, she finished with 4-of-12 shooting overall, including 2-of-7 from long range.

For a player whose long-range shooting has been her trademark since her college days at Iowa, these numbers are shocking.

The Viral Video: Breaking Down the Defense

The viral clip in question, shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, strings together dozens of Clark’s recent shot attempts. What stands out isn’t just the misses—it’s the way she’s being defended.

“Look at the footwork, the closeouts, the help defense,” says basketball analyst and former WNBA coach Cheryl Miller, who broke down the video for ESPN. “Teams are forcing her off the three-point line, running her into double teams, and making her take shots on the move, off-balance, and often from further out than she’d like.”

The video includes slow-motion replays and freeze frames showing defenders crowding Clark as soon as she crosses half court, switching aggressively on screens, and contesting every shot. It’s a far cry from the space she enjoyed earlier in her rookie campaign—and even in her college days, when defenses often struggled to keep up with her quick release and unlimited range.

A League-Wide Adjustment

According to Fever head coach Christie Sides, the shift in defensive attention has been dramatic.

“Every team is game-planning for Caitlin now,” Sides said after the Fever’s loss to Atlanta. “She’s seeing the best defenders, the toughest schemes, and a level of physicality that’s as high as anything I’ve seen in this league.”

Other coaches agree. “You can’t let her get comfortable,” said Dallas Wings coach Latricia Trammell. “She’s too dangerous. We’re throwing different looks at her every quarter—traps, switches, box-and-ones, you name it.”

It’s a sign of respect, but also a testament to Clark’s impact on the league. Few rookies—or even second-year players—have ever commanded such attention from opposing defenses.

Is It Just a Slump?

Some analysts caution against reading too much into a small sample size. Shooting slumps are a part of basketball, especially for high-volume perimeter shooters. Steph Curry, Kelsey Plum, and Diana Taurasi have all endured similar cold spells.

But others see something more systemic. “This isn’t just bad luck,” said former WNBA guard Renee Montgomery on her podcast. “The league has adjusted. Now it’s up to Caitlin to adjust back.”

The numbers back this up. According to Synergy Sports, Clark’s percentage of uncontested threes has dropped by nearly 40% compared to the start of the season. She’s taking more shots off the dribble, often with a hand in her face and the shot clock winding down.

Clark’s Response: Resilience Amid Adversity

Despite the slump, Clark’s overall playmaking has remained strong. She continues to average over 7 assists per game, often finding open teammates as defenses collapse on her. Her rebounding and defense have also improved, as she looks for other ways to impact the game.

“I’m not worried,” Clark said after the Fever’s most recent loss. “I’ve been through shooting slumps before. You just keep working, keep trusting your shot, and eventually the ball will go in. The most important thing is to keep making the right plays for my team.”

Clark’s teammates and coaches have echoed that sentiment. “She’s a competitor,” said Fever forward NaLyssa Smith. “She’s going to figure it out. We all believe in her.”

The Social Media Frenzy

The viral video has sparked a heated debate online. Some fans are quick to criticize Clark, accusing her of being overrated or unable to handle the pressure. Others defend her, pointing out the relentless defensive attention she faces and the lack of consistent help from the Fever’s supporting cast.

“People forget she’s only in her second year,” one fan wrote on X. “Give her time—she’s still learning and growing.”

Can Clark Adjust?

The big question now: Can Clark adapt to the league’s new approach? History suggests she can. Throughout her career, Clark has been known for her basketball IQ and relentless work ethic. She’s added new moves, worked on her finishing around the rim, and improved her passing every season.

“She’s too smart and too talented not to figure it out,” said ESPN’s Doris Burke. “The great ones always do.”

The Road Ahead

For Clark and the Fever, the coming weeks will be critical. The team is still in the playoff hunt, and Clark’s ability to break out of her slump could be the difference between a postseason run and an early exit.

In the meantime, Clark remains focused on the process. “It’s part of the journey,” she said. “Every great player goes through tough stretches. I’m just going to keep working and trust that the results will come.”

As the WNBA season heats up, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark. Can she solve the puzzle that opposing defenses have set for her? If history is any guide, don’t count her out just yet.