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Dick Vitale makes strong Caitlin Clark claim after Fever beat Liberty originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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Caitlin Clark continues to strengthen her case for the 2026 WNBA MVP award, and one of basketball’s most recognizable voices believes she belongs squarely in the conversation.
ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale praised Clark on Wednesday, one day after the Indiana Fever star delivered another impressive performance in a victory over Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty .
Clark recorded 22 points, 10 assists and four rebounds while shooting 7-of-15 from the field. Her performance helped Indiana earn its 21st win of the season and improve to 21-12, moving the Fever ahead of the Atlanta Dream for fourth place in the WNBA standings.
The former Iowa superstar also reached another significant milestone by recording the 29th double-double of her WNBA career. Vitale believes performances like that should make Clark a serious contender for the league’s most prestigious individual honor.
Dick Vitale backs Caitlin Clark for WNBA MVP
Vitale reacted to Clark’s latest performance in a post on X.
“Yes @CaitlinClark22 will be legit contender for @WNBA MVP,” Vitale wrote. “Caitlin is having a super year.”
Vitale included a clip of Clark’s first basket against New York. The Fever guard created space with a sharp move that sent a Liberty defender to the floor before calmly knocking down a 3-pointer.
Yes @CaitlinClark22 will be legit contender for @WNBA MVP Caitlin is having a super year . https://t.co/WCLiK4fnlP
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 12, 2026 It was an early glimpse of what became another productive night for Clark, who controlled the game as both a scorer and facilitator. Clark is averaging 21.7 points, 8.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds during the 2026 season. Her combination of scoring and playmaking has made her one of the league’s most difficult players to defend, while her continued improvement has helped turn Indiana into a legitimate contender.
The Fever are no longer simply trying to qualify for the playoffs. At 21-12, they are pushing for one of the best records in the league and attempting to secure a favorable postseason seed. Clark’s influence on that rise is central to her MVP argument.
Clark faces difficult competition for MVP award
Clark remains behind Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson and Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles in the betting market. As of Wednesday, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Wilson as the overwhelming favorite at -600. Miles held the second-best odds at +600, while Clark was third at +2200.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers followed at +3500. Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell and Liberty forward Breanna Stewart were each listed at +10000. Wilson’s position as the favorite is hardly surprising. The four-time MVP has built another dominant season while maintaining her status as one of the WNBA’s premier two-way players.
Miles also has made an immediate impact during a remarkable rookie campaign with Minnesota. Her emergence has added another intriguing name to an already competitive race. Clark may have ground to make up, but her production and Indiana’s success give her a credible path into the discussion. If the Fever continue climbing the standings and Clark maintains her current pace, voters will have a difficult time overlooking her candidacy.
MORE : Caitlin Clark leaves fans stunned with ridiculous shot over 6-foot-11 Liberty center
Fever have more than one star making an impact
Clark was not Indiana’s leading scorer against the Liberty. That distinction belonged to Kelsey Mitchell, who finished with 28 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting. Mitchell also added three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Her performance illustrated why the Fever have become so dangerous. Opponents cannot devote all of their defensive attention to Clark without risking a big night from Mitchell, Aliyah Boston or another member of Indiana’s deep rotation. Clark’s passing makes that supporting cast even more threatening. Her 10 assists against New York helped create scoring opportunities throughout the lineup, and her ability to draw multiple defenders frequently opens the floor for her teammates.
That balance could help Indiana make a deep postseason run. It also strengthens Clark’s MVP case because her value extends beyond her individual scoring average. She dictates pace, creates open shots and forces opponents to design their defensive game plans around her. Indiana’s rise to 21 wins provides tangible evidence of that impact.
Clark and the Fever will return to action Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET against Bueckers and the Dallas Wings. The matchup will feature two of the league’s brightest young guards and give Clark another chance to support Vitale’s emphatic MVP claim.
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