Lynx Clinch Playoff Berth, Reeve Lauds Clark's Pace and Passing

The Minnesota Lynx secured their postseason spot with a 90-80 victory over the Indiana Fever, while Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve expressed admiration for Fever star Caitlin Clark's exceptional pace and passing abilities.

The Minnesota Lynx secured their spot in the WNBA playoffs with a decisive 90-80 victory over the Indiana Fever on Saturday night. Despite a valiant effort from Fever star Caitlin Clark, who led her team with 23 points and eight assists, Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride's combined 50 points proved too much to overcome.

Lynx Clinch Playoff Berth, Reeve Lauds Clark's Pace and Passing

Clark's performance showcased her strengths as a dynamic playmaker, but it was her exceptional pace and passing that caught the attention of Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. Reeve, who guided Team USA to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, lauded Clark's ability to control the tempo of the game and make incisive passes.

"I'll tell you that, she plays with incredible pace," Reeve said, as quoted by the Indy Star. "And pace can get you really far... Pace and passing are her two greatest things."

Lynx Clinch Playoff Berth, Reeve Lauds Clark's Pace and Passing

Reeve's praise for Clark came after she had previously been critical of the youngster's absence from the Team USA roster. Reeve admitted that she had not paid much attention to Clark's popularity at the Target Center, but she expressed a playful wish to have both Clark and former Lynx legend Maya Moore on her team.

"I wished I had both of them," Reeve said, referencing Clark and Moore, whose jersey was retired by the Lynx on Saturday.

Lynx Clinch Playoff Berth, Reeve Lauds Clark's Pace and Passing

The win extended the Lynx's winning streak to six games and moved them to within three games of the league-leading New York Liberty for the No. 1 seed. Indiana, currently in seventh place, is also on track to reach the playoffs, with the top eight teams qualifying.

Reeve emphasized the importance of pace and passing in basketball and credited Clark for her mastery of these skills. She believes that these abilities, along with Clark's talent for finding open teammates and creating scoring opportunities, make her an exceptional player.

Reeve's admiration for Clark's abilities is indicative of the young star's growing reputation and the impact she is making on the WNBA. As Indiana continues its playoff push and Clark develops her overall game, she is poised to become one of the most exciting and influential players in the league for years to come.