Michael Jordan discussed in his famous documentary "The Last Dance" how he turned any perceived criticism into motivation to perform better on the court. The phrase "And I took it personally," used by ‘His Airness,’ has become a staple of basketball culture.

Jordan's legendary competitive spirit has influenced many generations. A contemporary example is WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, who seemed to embody that mindset, especially after being overlooked by Cheryl Reeve for the USA Women’s Basketball Team's roster of 12 Avengers aiming for an 8th consecutive Olympic gold.

While the American superteam led by A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart ultimately did not need Clark’s services to secure gold, her disappointment fuelled her drive to prove herself as a top WNBA star.

Clark led the Indiana Fever with an impressive performance, particularly in the first half, scoring 16 points and giving her team a 48-20 lead over the Mercury. Despite a month-long break from the league due to the Paris Games, Clark appeared to transition back into competition effortlessly.

However, Phoenix, led by Olympic champion Kahleah Copper, turned the game around in the third quarter, briefly taking the lead before the final period. Clark and the Fever responded by securing a crucial win in their playoff push, improving their regular season record to 12-15.

Clark finished the game with 29 points and not only achieved a significant victory but also set a record as the first rookie in WNBA history to surpass 450 points and 200 assists. Additionally, she became the first WNBA player to record more than 50 points and more than 25 assists over a span of two games.

Copper, Brittney Griner, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who won gold in Paris, witnessed Clark’s performance and saw her as a strong candidate for the future USA Team and potentially a leading figure in the league for the next decade or beyond.