In the latest episode of David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, premiering on Netflix on April 8, 2025, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark shared a humorous and insightful look into her journey from childhood basketball games to WNBA stardom. The episode is an engaging blend of humor, competitive spirit, and personal anecdotes that offer fans a deeper understanding of the rising basketball star.
The episode begins with Letterman and Clark making their way to Long’s Bakery, a beloved Indianapolis spot known for its mouth-watering donuts. Letterman, ever the generous host, buys donuts for the entire crowd that has gathered around. As they stand in line, Letterman quips, “I got TV money. One of everything!” The scene was filled with lighthearted banter and a welcoming energy that instantly made the atmosphere feel more like a casual hangout than a televised interview.
“Do you come here a lot?” Letterman asks Caitlin with a smirk. “They’re pretty good,” he adds, prompting a laugh from the audience. Caitlin playfully suggests ordering a Bloody Mary, but quickly dismisses it with a grin, “That’s a joke. We’re just having fun.”
As they made their way through the bakery, Caitlin and Letterman were approached by a young fan, a little girl who had just started playing kindergarten basketball. Caitlin’s natural warmth and enthusiasm were evident as she chatted with the girl, who was over the moon to meet her basketball idol. The lighthearted moment was a stark contrast to the intensity that Caitlin usually exudes on the court. “That’s awesome, kindergarten basketball,” Caitlin said, showing genuine interest in the fan’s budding basketball career.
Letterman continued his jovial antics, joking about the amount of food they were purchasing, saying, “We need some to go also. Okay, baby, they going to be warm.” The playful scene was a charming start to what turned out to be an endearing and candid interview.
The focus quickly shifted to Caitlin’s competitive spirit, which is central to her persona both on and off the court. Reflecting on her childhood, Caitlin recalled running house to house on Halloween, determined to collect the most candy. “It was all about getting more than my friends,” she admitted with a chuckle. “It would sometimes cause tension with my family when we played games, but that’s just who I am.” Her candidness about her intense drive to win resonated with Letterman, who couldn’t help but ask, “Did you alienate teammates by your behavior, thinking you were protecting them?”
Caitlin responded by saying that, over time, everyone came to understand her approach. “As I went throughout my career, everybody understood why I was the way I was. And that’s what made me good,” she said, shrugging off any negative perceptions.
This reflection on her intense nature led to a hilarious anecdote about a scrimmage during one of her practices. Caitlin shared how, during one particularly memorable session, she hit five three-pointers in a row, scoring 22 points in just two minutes. The crowd erupted with laughter as she described how, after hitting her fifth three, she was so surprised by her own performance that she started running around the gym in disbelief.
The story was even more amusing because of the backdrop: Caitlin’s team was playing against a group of male practice players, and she couldn’t resist the opportunity to remind them of their defeat. “We ended up winning, and our boy practice players didn’t hear the end of it. They still don’t like me for that,” she said with a grin.
Caitlin’s ability to laugh at herself and keep the mood light was evident throughout the interview, but it was clear that her competitive nature is always at the forefront. Letterman probed further into her experience on the court, asking her to reflect on her adjustment to professional basketball. Caitlin shared her growth as a player, noting that her passing ability was one of the standout aspects of her game. “I feel like I can see things that are about to happen on the basketball court before they happen,” she explained. “It’s kind of a lost art at times.”
Letterman, intrigued, asked her where that ability came from. Caitlin replied thoughtfully, “I think it’s just my basketball IQ. I can anticipate plays, and I try to pass in ways that lead to easy shots for my teammates. It’s like geometry, angles, and understanding where people will be, not just where they are.”
While Caitlin’s elite passing ability is a key part of her game, Letterman couldn’t help but turn the conversation to the more colorful moments of her career. He asked about her interactions with some of the game’s biggest personalities, including legendary WNBA star Diana Taurasi. Caitlin laughed and recounted an exchange with Taurasi during a game. “She fouled me pretty hard from behind, and I turned around and told the ref, ‘That’s intentional.’ She came back at me, and we went back and forth,” Caitlin said, mimicking the fiery exchange. “But then she came up to me and said, ‘I just love you.’ And I was like, ‘I love you too.’”
The lightheartedness of the story painted a picture of Caitlin’s respect for her peers, even when they’re competing at the highest level. As the conversation moved on, Letterman asked Caitlin about her teammates and the bond she shares with them. Caitlin spoke fondly of her teammate Aaliyah Boston, calling her “a great player” and emphasizing the importance of chemistry on the court. “We’ve grown so much over the course of the year, and I think that chemistry will continue to improve,” Caitlin said.
The interview also touched on the idea of “goons” in the WNBA—those who are there to protect the stars with their physicality. Caitlin, however, made it clear that the WNBA is a league of skilled players, not enforcers. “My teammates got my back, no question,” she said. “But we’re all straight hoopers, no goons.”
As the interview came to a close, Letterman asked Caitlin about her admiration for LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Caitlin spoke about his legacy and how his journey mirrored her own in some ways, especially when it came to the immense expectations placed on them from an early age. “He had all these expectations coming out of high school,” Caitlin said, “and it’s incredible what he’s done for the game of basketball and the way he’s carried himself.”
Despite the similarities in their careers, Caitlin was quick to point out that she doesn’t like to compare herself to others. “I don’t want to compare myself to anybody else,” she said. “But I’ve always been a fan of him. He’s the greatest basketball player of all time.”
The episode concluded with a lighthearted exchange between Caitlin and Letterman, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of the player behind the headlines. Caitlin Clark, known for her incredible talent on the court, showed that she’s also got a great sense of humor, humility, and an unwavering competitive drive.
As Caitlin continues to make waves in the WNBA, her appearance on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction only solidifies her place as one of basketball’s brightest stars—one whose journey is just beginning. Fans will be watching closely, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Caitlin’s already remarkable career.
