Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s superstar and the face of a new WNBA era, is facing the toughest stretch of her young professional career. After a red-hot rookie season that broke records and drew millions of new fans to women’s basketball, Clark is now mired in a shooting slump that has both analysts and fans searching for answers. According to a viral video circulating on social media, the answer may not be a simple cold streak—it could be that the entire league has figured out how to defend her.

A Slump Unlike Any Other

Clark’s recent shooting numbers are staggering—and not in a good way. Over a three-game stretch, the former Iowa Hawkeye went just 1-of-23 from beyond the arc, which is a jaw-dropping 4.3 percent. Expanding that to four games, she’s just 3-of-28 from deep, or 10.7 percent. According to WNBA stat historians, that’s the worst four-game three-point shooting span in league history for any player attempting at least 25 threes.

The struggles haven’t stopped there. In a recent matchup against the Atlanta Dream, Clark scored 12 points and dished out 9 assists, but again managed to hit only 1 of her 7 three-point attempts. The following game against the Dallas Wings didn’t offer much relief: Clark finished 4-of-12 from the field, including 2-of-7 from long range.

For a player who built her reputation on long-range marksmanship and fearless shot-making, the numbers are jarring.

The Viral Video: A Closer Look at Clark’s Struggles

As Clark’s shooting woes have deepened, a viral video has emerged on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, racking up millions of views and fueling a passionate debate among basketball fans and analysts. The video, posted by user @Goodfella_100, breaks down several of Clark’s recent possessions, highlighting how opposing defenses have begun to scheme specifically to neutralize her greatest strengths.

In the clip, defenders are shown picking up Clark well beyond the three-point line, forcing her to start her offense farther from the basket than she’s used to. Instead of giving her room to operate, defenders are crowding her, using their length and quickness to contest every shot. The result? Clark is often forced into rushed, off-balance attempts, many of which clang harmlessly off the rim.

“Look at how every defender is fighting over screens, staying glued to her hip, and never giving her a clean look,” the video’s narrator explains. “They’re not just letting her pull up from 30 feet anymore—they’re making her work for everything.”

Not Just a Cold Streak—A League-Wide Adjustment

What’s clear from the video—and from the recent box scores—is that Clark’s struggles are not solely the result of poor shooting luck. Instead, it appears the entire WNBA has made a concerted effort to adjust its defensive approach to the league’s most dangerous shooter.

Coaches are sending double teams, trapping Clark on pick-and-rolls, and rotating quickly to contest her shots. Off the ball, defenders are bumping her, denying her the chance to catch and shoot in rhythm. Even when she does get a shot off, it’s rarely uncontested.

“She’s seeing the kind of defensive attention usually reserved for MVPs and All-Time greats,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “Every team is game-planning for Caitlin Clark now. This is the ultimate sign of respect, but it’s also a huge challenge for a young player.”

Clark’s Response: Resilience and Playmaking

Despite her shooting slump, Clark’s overall game has not completely disappeared. Even as her shots have stopped falling, she’s continued to contribute in other ways—racking up assists, pushing the pace in transition, and playing with her trademark intensity.

Against Atlanta, Clark’s 9 assists kept the Fever’s offense humming, and her ability to draw defenders opened up opportunities for her teammates. Against Dallas, she continued to attack the paint, drawing fouls and finding open shooters.

“She’s not letting the slump define her,” said Fever head coach Christie Sides. “Caitlin is still our leader out there. She’s finding ways to impact the game even when her shot isn’t falling. That’s what great players do.”

The Pressure of Stardom

Clark’s shooting woes have also reignited a conversation about the immense pressure she faces as the WNBA’s new superstar. After a historic rookie season that saw her shatter attendance and TV ratings records, expectations for her sophomore year were sky-high. Every game is broadcast to a national audience. Every missed shot is dissected on social media.

“She’s under a microscope like no other player in the league,” said former WNBA star Sue Bird. “The defenses are tougher, the scouting is more detailed, and every team wants to be the one that shuts her down. It’s an adjustment, but I have no doubt she’ll figure it out.”

Can Clark Adjust?

The big question now: Can Caitlin Clark adapt before this slump becomes the defining story of her season?

Basketball history is filled with examples of great shooters who endured rough patches before bouncing back stronger than ever. Steph Curry, Diana Taurasi, and Kelsey Plum all faced similar stretches early in their careers, only to emerge as even more dangerous offensive weapons once they learned to counter defensive adjustments.

Clark’s work ethic and basketball IQ are unquestioned. Teammates and coaches insist she’s spending extra hours in the gym, watching film, and working with the Fever’s staff to find new ways to get open looks.

“She’s a competitor,” said teammate Aliyah Boston. “She’s not going to let a few tough games shake her confidence. If anything, it’s just going to make her hungrier.”

The Fans: From Concern to Support

On social media, Clark’s shooting slump has sparked concern, but also an outpouring of support. Fans have posted clips of her best moments, encouraging her to “keep shooting” and reminding her that every great player goes through ups and downs.

Others have pointed out that Clark’s impact goes beyond the box score. “Even when she’s not hitting shots, she’s changing the game,” wrote one fan on Reddit. “She’s drawing double teams, creating space for her teammates, and making the Fever better.”

The Road Ahead

As the WNBA season grinds on, the spotlight on Clark will only intensify. Every game, every shot, every possession will be scrutinized. But if history is any guide, this rough patch may be just what Clark needs to elevate her game to the next level.

“She’s going to figure it out,” said Lobo. “And when she does, watch out.”

For now, the league’s “social media detectives” believe they’ve cracked the code to Clark’s shooting slump. But if there’s one thing Caitlin Clark has proven time and again, it’s that she’s always one adjustment away from rewriting the narrative.