Captains Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier have fun exchanges before WNBA All-Star Game
INDIANAPOLIS — WNBA All-Star captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier are perhaps some of the most competitive players in the league.
The Indiana Fever guard and Minnesota Lynx forward exude a quieter presence off the court while being a force on it ― just the way they like it. And even though Clark won't play during Saturday's All-Star game, it didn't stop some playful banter with Collier ahead of the big game.
Collier was asked if she was a better trash talker than Clark. "Oh no," Collier said, laughing.
"I don't talk trash," Clark chimed in, laughing.
"I'm not good. So, the bar is low," the Minnesota forward added.
There's likely plenty of footage out there to dispute both of their claims, but the banter between the two of them (very wholesome) was spectacular to see. Things were pretty lighthearted, and then their competitive natures started to creep in. Collier was mid-response to a question about offense versus defense when Clark added her thoughts.
Collier: "I do think defense wins games, but people are learning to score in so many new ways.
Clark: "Good offense beats good defense. ... Great offense beats good defense."
And, we're off.
Collier tried to get in more words about defense beating offense, but Clark, ever witty, was right there, giving Collier a hard time.
"Defensive Player of the Year. She has to say that," the second-year guard pushed out, giggling.
That seemed like a definitive end between the two, but later, Collier came in hot with a joke that Clark would be "licking her wounds," and things were hysterically right back where they started. However, if there were any questions about where things stood between the two All-Stars, Clark effectively ended any speculation.
"We joke about winning, but at the end of the day, it is not that serious. We're going to have a fun time," Clark said.