Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase has revealed the strategy behind her team's successful containment of Indiana Fever's star rookie, Caitlin Clark, in their recent 88-77 victory. The win, played in front of a sold-out crowd at Chase Center, saw Clark struggle, scoring just 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting, including 0-for-7 from beyond the arc, along with six turnovers.

Nakase, in a post-game press conference, explained that the game plan revolved around disrupting Clark's rhythm and making her uncomfortable. "We were being disruptive, we know she doesn't like physicality," Nakase stated. She further elaborated on Clark's tendencies, noting, "We know she wants to get to that left stepback — I watched her at Iowa, she loves that left stepback, it's almost like a layup for her. So we were just making sure she wasn't getting into rhythm and then that she was seeing multiple bodies."

The Valkyries' strategy involved applying constant on-ball pressure and "icing" screens around the perimeter, preventing Clark from getting to her preferred spots on the floor. Nakase had even alluded to aspects of the defensive strategy before the game. Asked how to slow Clark down, Nakase stated "You got to pick her up higher, she shoots from the logo you can't pick her up at a logo just because, that's a super comfortable shot. It's almost like a layup to her. Need to get her going to her left.”

The emphasis on physicality appeared to be a key element, with the Valkyries' defenders making Clark work harder when putting the ball on the floor. This approach made it difficult for Clark to draw fouls, especially in the first half. While the "she doesn't like physicality" quote may garner attention, it's a tactic often employed against many guards in basketball. However, the challenge lies in consistently executing that game plan for the entire game, which the Valkyries managed to do effectively.

The Valkyries' commitment to the defensive strategy was evident, with multiple players contributing to the effort of making Clark uncomfortable. Kate Martin, Clark's former Iowa teammate, added nine points off the bench. Kayla Thornton led the Valkyries with 16 points, supported by Tiffany Hayes with 14 points and Chloe Bibby with 12 points. Golden State's bench outscored Indiana's by 28 points.

While Nakase's strategy proved successful in this particular game, some observers suggest that it may have been simply an off night for Clark. Whether the Valkyries' approach serves as a lasting blueprint for slowing down the Fever star remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly provided a valuable lesson for future opponents. The effectiveness of this strategy will be further tested when the Valkyries face the Fever again on July 9 in Indianapolis and once more at home on August 31.

Clark, despite her struggles, expressed admiration for the Chase Center and Warriors star Steph Curry, acknowledging his impact on the game of basketball. The Fever will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Las Vegas Aces.