Rookie Caitlin Clark's high praise sparks heartfelt reaction from veteran Erica Wheeler

Rookie Caitlin Clark lavished immense praise on the Indiana Fever's veteran guard Erica Wheeler after their 110-109 victory over the Dallas Wings on Sunday.

Clark expressed appreciation for Wheeler's unwavering support for the Fever players, noting how she consistently fulfills her role and contributes in every way she's called upon.

"(Erica Wheeler) has been super supportive of every single person on our team," Clark told reporters after the game.

"And she's come in and gave us really good minutes and whatever her role was she was always stepping up to the plate and doing that for us," she added.

Wheeler, who won the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game MVP award, is averaging 3.6 points per game this season. The veteran guard has tried to provide impetus to the Fever's offense coming off the bench.

Clark reflected on her journey alongside Wheeler, highlighting how the veteran has guided her through her first season in professional basketball and helped her navigate the challenges.

"I think she is somebody that understands me well, like she is always there whether the moments are really good or the moments not so great. She is there to help me through it or celebrate it whether it is, good or bad," Clark continued.

Clark continued:

"I think that just speaks to obviously her time in this league. She understands how it goes and, just trying to help me through my rookie season and, you know, help me understand ... how the league works and what to expect or what teams are going to do.

"I think it's been a fun journey for the both of us and it honestly feels just like yesterday where we first met and we're at training camp with one another. So it's definitely been fun," the Fever rookie added.

Wheeler dropped a heartfelt reaction after being bestowed with huge praise by Clark. The one-time WNBA All-Star dropped three heart emojis to the video of Clark's comments about her.

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Erica Wheeler acknowledged Caitlin Clark's impact

On Saturday, Erica Wheeler acknowledged Caitlin Clark's impact on the Indiana Fever as the Eastern Conference franchise is gearing up for their first playoffs in eight years.

Reacting to a fan on X, who asked "Would the Fever be in the playoffs without Caitlin Clark?," Wheeler dropped a straightforward reply:

"No! But we here! Stay tuned in!"

The Fever hold a 20-19 record with one regular-season game left. They have secured sixth place in the league and face the third-seeded team in the playoffs.