Luka Doncic, Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark continues to set the tone for the next phase of her career as she prepares for her third WNBA season with the Indiana Fever. Already one of the league’s most recognizable stars, Clark has never hidden her interest in studying elite players outside the WNBA. This week, she made it clear which NBA player stands at the top of that list, per Bleacher Report. During NBC’s pregame coverage ahead of Sunday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, Clark pointed directly to Luka Doncic as a player she believes she can learn from as her game evolves.
The moment offered a glimpse into how Clark views growth at the highest level, not just through scoring, but through control, patience, and manipulation of space.
Clark’s admiration for Doncic centered on how he dictates the flow of an offense without relying on overwhelming speed or raw athleticism. Instead, she highlighted his understanding of angles, timing, and defensive positioning, qualities she believes translate across leagues and styles of play.
Clark Breaks Down What Makes Luka Different
Clark did not mince words when explaining what stands out about Doncic’s game. Speaking on NBC’s broadcast, she praised his ability to score and create, while emphasizing the subtler elements that separate him from most players.
“Luka’s amazing. He’s incredible,” Clark said. “I think the way he can not only score the ball but also the way he passes. He’s not always the fastest, he’s not the most athletic, but he can make a defender move to where he wants him to go. He does a really good job of keeping the defender behind him or to the side. That’s something I can certainly learn from.”
Clark also noted that Doncic makes elite production look deceptively simple, even when the numbers tell a different story. Averaging a 30-point triple-double, she explained, carries a level of difficulty that few players truly understand until they attempt to control every possession.
Those comments reflect what Lakers fans have quickly embraced since the franchise committed fully to building around Doncic. He leads the league in scoring once again, but his value extends far beyond points. At 6-foot-8, he orchestrates the offense, sets teammates up, and consistently bends defenses to his will.
Why Luka’s Game Resonates With Clark
Clark’s breakdown mirrors how many evaluators describe Doncic, per Lake Show Life. He does not win with blazing speed or vertical explosiveness. He wins with anticipation, footwork, and an advanced understanding of how defenders react. He uses pace to force mistakes, then punishes them with passes or finishes that look routine only because of his preparation.
That style carries challenges for teammates as well. Playing alongside a dominant ball handler often requires patience, as role players may go long stretches without touches. It places responsibility on the primary creator to keep everyone engaged while still dictating the offense. That balance remains one of Doncic’s defining strengths.
Clark sees that aspect as an area where she wants to continue improving. Controlling tempo, pulling defenders out of position, and making the game easier for teammates represent the next layer of growth for a player already capable of filling up the stat sheet.
Clark also touched on star power and road environments, referencing comments made by Michael Jordan about embracing hostile crowds. She noted that many arenas now feature strong support for her team, even on the road, and emphasized the importance of responding early to silence opposing fans.
She added that Madison Square Garden remains a dream stage, even though no WNBA team currently calls it home. Given Clark’s drawing power, the idea of her eventually playing at MSG no longer feels far-fetched.
Learning from a player like Doncic fits neatly into Clark’s trajectory. Both dominate with intelligence, confidence, and an ability to control games without forcing action. For Clark, studying the NBA’s premier offensive conductor offers a blueprint for sustaining greatness as expectations continue to rise.