Caitlin Clark’s Defense Is Underrated: The Numbers Prove She’s Elite
It’s frustrating to keep hearing the same tired argument that Caitlin Clark isn’t strong on defense. The numbers tell a completely different story—she isn’t just good; she’s exceptional. By statistical measures, she stands out as the best defensive point guard in the league. Dismissing her defensive skills ignores the data that clearly backs up her impact on the court.
Consider her rebounding stats: Caitlin ranks 17th in the entire league. Now, look at the 16 players ahead of her. Every single one of them plays as a forward or center—positions naturally positioned near the basket, where rebounding is easier. Despite being a point guard, she competes with and outperforms players whose primary roles are to dominate the paint. That alone is an incredible defensive feat.
The same trend appears in blocked shots. Caitlin ranks 16th in the league, an even higher position than in rebounding. The only other player even close to her at this position is Skylar Smith, who plays a forward/guard hybrid role. Unlike Smith, Caitlin is a pure point guard, yet she holds her own against bigger, stronger opponents. This level of defensive ability from a point guard is not just impressive—it’s rare.
To put it simply, Caitlin Clark is the best defensive point guard in the WNBA, and the numbers prove it. No other point guard matches her impact in rebounds and blocked shots. That level of production from her position is a testament to her tenacity, athleticism, and ability to disrupt opponents’ plays. If we go strictly by the statistics, she is unmatched among point guards in defensive contributions.
So, let’s put an end to the outdated narrative that she’s merely “improving” on defense. That argument doesn’t hold up—it never did. The reality is that Caitlin Clark is already at the top of her game defensively, and it’s time people gave her the credit she deserves.
