Fever Coach Admits Mistake After Denying Caitlin Clark Final Shot
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Mavericks’ first jumbotron crowd shot since Luka Doncic trade goes horribly wrong as fan ejected
Mavericks’ first jumbotron crowd shot since Luka Doncic trade goes horribly wrong as fan ejected. Several supporters were removed from their game against the Sacramento Kings for speaking out. Mavericks fans are still furious that general manager Nico Harrison decided to trade their franchise star, and the organization has been seemingly attempting to combat the negativity. The situation is getting ugly, with fans now directing abuse at the organization for how its handling backlash to the trade in the first place. To make matters worse, doncic was suiting up to make his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers later on Monday. The 25-year-old never wanted to leave Dallas and was said to be in tears when finding out he was set to join the Lakers, although it soon turned to excitement. The trade seems unexplainable, but time will tell, but it will be interesting to see what happens next in the NBA’s Western Conference. The Lakers received Davis, Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick.
Luka Doncic’s trade from the Dallas Mavericks is still being protested by fans, and several supporters were removed from their game against the Sacramento Kings for speaking out
A fan could be seen mouthing “fire Nico (Harrison)” on the jumbotron on Monday night as the Dallas Mavericks faithful continues to dispute the Luka Doncic trade (Image: @MavsHighlights )
A Dallas Mavericks fan was escorted out of American Airlines Center on Monday night after he was seen mouthing “Fire Nico” when appearing on the jumbotron.
During the third quarter of their game against the Sacramento Kings, the Mavericks allowed supporters to be shown on the jumbotron for the first time since Luka Doncic was traded. Mavericks fans are still furious that general manager Nico Harrison decided to trade their franchise star, and the organization has been seemingly attempting to combat the negativity.
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Mavericks fans have reportedly been denied entry to the arena if they’re seen protesting with signs or shirts, and some supporters have been removed for negative behavior – with more fans being kicked out during Monday’s game. The fan who appeared to say “Fire Nico” while appearing on the Karaoke Cam was one of those who was removed prematurely.
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Lakers make sure Luka Doncic feels at home before LA debut with nod to Slovenia READ MORE:
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The situation is getting ugly, with fans now directing abuse at the organization for how its handling backlash to the trade on top of slamming the decision in the first place. To make matters worse, Doncic was suiting up to make his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers later on Monday.
If things couldn’t get bad enough, Anthony Davis – who Dallas received from the Lakers in return – is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a left adductor strain. Davis exited his Mavericks debut in the third quarter with his questionable injury record following him to Dallas.
On Feb. 2, perhaps the most shocking trade in NBA history occurred as the Mavericks decided to send Doncic to the Lakers. Los Angeles received Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks, while Dallas acquired Davis, Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick.
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The Utah Jazz was also involved in completing a three-team trade and received Jalen Hood-Schifino, the LA Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick, and the Mavericks’ 2025 second-round selection. What makes the trade unprecedented, above all, is that Doncic had no idea he was being dealt.
“That’s their decision, I have no comment on that,” Doncic later said when conducting his first press conference as a member of the Lakers. “They made the decision, I don’t know why. That’s their decision, I can’t do anything about it.”
Players are traded at short notice constantly in the NBA, but not franchise stars and not someone like Doncic. The 25-year-old never wanted to leave Dallas and was said to be in tears when finding out he was set to join the Lakers, although it soon turned to excitement.
More Mavericks fans were escorted out after protesting against the GM (Image: @tylerb1868 / X )
A fan was forced to change his unfortunate sign following the Doncic trade
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“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavericks GM Harrison told ESPN when explaining the Doncic trade. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
Talents like Doncic don’t come around often, and the trade has been widely slammed by fellow players and analysts. Davis is an all-time NBA great, but is six years older than Doncic and has an consistent injury record as shown in his first week with the organization.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reportedly attempted to stop Harrison from completing the trade, and the general manager has hired full-time security due to receiving threats from fans. The trade still seems unexplainable, but time will tell.
Fever Coach Admits Mistake After Denying Caitlin Clark Final Shot
The Indiana Fever lost 91-90 to Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night. Head coach Stephanie White admitted she should have called a timeout to set up a different play. Caitlin Clark had another stat-stuffing performance, tallying 27 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. The Fever take on the Dream again on Thursday night in South Carolina, their second game of the WNBA’s 2025 season..
But Caitlin Clark couldn’t keep the Fever undefeated, falling to Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream 91-90 on Tuesday night.
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Clark finished the night with another stat-stuffing performance, tallying 27 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. But with the game on the line in the final seconds, Clark did not receive the final shot.
With nine seconds remaining, White drew up a play that had Clark passing the ball from the sideline. She hit center Natasha Howard in the post, who had her shot blocked by the Dream’s Nia Coffey.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark chats with coach Stephanie White.Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Howard was able to corral the offensive rebound before missing a 12-foot shot, ultimately ending the game.
After the loss, White addressed the media in her postgame press conference. When discussing the final play, she revealed the ball was intended for Aliyah Boston and admitted she should have called a timeout to potentially set up a different play.
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“Initially, we tried to get the ball to AB, but she was being chucked,” White commented. “We probably should’ve called timeout in that situation.”
While White may have called a play for Boston, who was coming off a Kelsey Mitchell screen, Dream forward Brionna Jones was able to deny the former South Carolina forward the ball, forcing Clark to lob it into Howard.
Still, Boston had her best game of the young 2025 season, recording 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting and 10 rebounds. Mitchell added another 24 points. But the rest of the Fever team combined for 15 total points, which was not enough to secure win No. 2.
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Up next for White and the Fever, a trip down South to take on Griner and the Dream once again on Thursday.
Related: Stephanie White Under Fire For Caitlin Clark Move in Fever’s Loss to Dream
Indiana Fever GM Weighs In On Deliberate Shove Of Caitlin Clark During Game Against Chicago: “League Needs To Clean Up The Crap!”
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever beat the Chicago Sky 71-70 on Saturday. Clark was fouled by Sky guard Chennedy Carter in the third quarter. Carter refused to answer questions about the foul and Clark after the game. Indiana Fever GM Lin Dunn tweeted that the league needs to “cleanup’ the crap. That’s NOT who this league is!!”Clark finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Carter finished with a game-high 19 points, going 8-for-12 from the field.“We’re just going to keep sending these possessions to the league and these plays,” Fever coach Christie Sides told reporters. “Hopefully they’ll start taking a better look at some of the things we see happening.”
“There’s a difference between tough defense and unnecessary— targeting actions! It needs to stop!” Dunn wrote on X. “The league needs to “cleanup” the crap! That’s NOT who this league is!!”
Dunn’s tweet accompanied video from the post-game press conference, when Fever coach Christie Sides addressed how Clark has been treated during her first season with the WNBA. On Saturday, cameras caught Sky’s Carter shoulder check Clark, who was waiting for an inbounds pass. A common foul was called.
“We’re just going to keep sending these possessions to the league and these plays,” Sides told reporters. “Hopefully they’ll start taking a better look at some of the things we see happening. It’s tough, to keep getting hammered when she does, and to not get rewarded with free throws. She has considered to fight through that.”
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There’s a difference between tough defense and unnecessary— targeting actions! It needs to stop! The league needs to “ cleanup” the crap! That’s NOT who this league is!! https://t.co/jI0xgTPfrC — Chalk Talk (@LD_ChalkTalk) June 1, 2024
PREVIOUSLY: Resentment against Caitlin Clark apparently runs deep in the WNBA.
She and the Indiana Fever won Saturday, taking a 71-70 thriller over the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. But the story after the Fever’s first home win centered on a particular foul against Clark.
After Chennedy Carter made a basket for the Sky with 15.1 seconds left in the third quarter, she went to defend Clark, who was looking for an inbound pass.
Before Clark could take the inbounds pass, she was knocked down to the floor by a shoulder check from Carter, who was immediately whistled for a foul.
Clark was interviewed by ESPN after the quarter ended and was asked about a conversation she had with the referees.
“Yeah, that’s just not a basketball play,” Clark said. “But you know, I’ve gotta play through it, that’s what basketball is about at this level. I thought we’ve been really physical, we’ve missed some bunnies around the rim, so hopefully those fall in the fourth.”
Clark finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Carter finished with a game-high 19 points, going 8-for-12 from the field.
Carter refused to answer questions about the foul and Clark after the game.
“I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions,” she told reporters.
This isn’t the first time Clark has received punishment. After a Thursday game against Seattle, she told reporters, “I feel like I’m getting hammered, I don’t know.”
Later, a wider angle shot of the incident showed Angel Reese, a bitter college rival of Clark while at LSU, jumping off the bench and applauding the hard foul by her teammate.
Chennedy Carter scores and gives a shoulder to Caitlin Clarkpic.twitter.com/nQxkw1rvhH — ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) June 1, 2024
Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend offers glimpse into how WNBA star is spending break
Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend offers glimpse into how WNBA star is spending break. Clark and her boyfriend Connor McCaffery enjoyed a Mexico vacation with her Indiana Fever teammates. The couple’s sun-soaked getaway was filled with picturesque beach scenes and plenty of relaxation. The All-Star game showcased Clark’s playmaking prowess as she contributed four points and dished out ten assists in 26 minutes. The league had extended invitations to Clark and Sabrina Ionescu for the contest, but they both declined. The Fever are currently in the middle of their mid-season break and will return on October 1. The team’s next game is at home against the New York Knicks on Saturday, October 6. The game will be the first of the 2014-15 WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark and her boyfriend Connor McCaffery enjoyed a Mexico vacation with her Indiana Fever teammates after her All-Star game performance with Team WNBA’s victory over Team USA
Caitlin Clark enjoyed a vacation with her boyfriend (Image: Instagram )
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark shared plenty of footage from a Mexico vacation with boyfriend Connor McCaffery following her standout performance in the All-Star game last Saturday, where Team WNBA defeated Team USA.
The couple’s sun-soaked getaway was filled with picturesque beach scenes and plenty of relaxation, something Clark previously noted as vital. In an expired Instagram story, Katie Lou Samuelson shared a series of snapshots from her Mexico getaway with Clark and her Indiana Fever teammate Lexie Hull. One standout photo featured Clark front and center, flashing a peace sign while lounging on a large, bright yellow floating mat gently bobbing on the blue-green water.
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Taking a backseat in the photo, Samuelson added a playful text overlay that read: “Just a couple mermaids” – complete with a mermaid emoji, capturing the fun and carefree essence of Clark and Hull during their tropical retreat. Katie Lou then posted an image with her daughter Aliya at the pool, starkly contrasting her teammates soaking up in the sun. She wrote: “What my pool days look like now” – as she stood close to her daughter.
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READ MORE: Caitlin Clark shares future plans with boyfriend Connor McCaffery in emotional anniversary postREAD MORE: Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend roasts ‘misinformed’ opinion about Iowa basketball star
While none of the Fever players tagged the location of their tropical escape, Lexie Hull had previously hinted on TikTok that she and some teammates would be heading to Mexico during the WNBA All-Star weekend. The All-Star game, held on July 20, showcased Clark’s playmaking prowess as she contributed four points and dished out ten assists in 26 minutes, leading Team WNBA to a thrilling 117-109 victory over Team USA.
In one of the captivating images, Clark and her boyfriend, McCaffery, were seen soaking up the sunshine on a boat. The couple, both flashing peace signs, posed against a breathtaking backdrop of a picturesque sunset and calming waves.
Clark was resolute about taking her vacation, even if it meant forfeiting a shot at the 3-point crown during the All-Star weekend. The league had extended invitations to Clark and Sabrina Ionescu for the contest, but they both declined.
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Clark is enjoying the WNBA’s midseason break (Image: Instagram )
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While Ionescu was immersed in preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics, choosing to focus on the Olympic camp instead of the All-Star festivities, Clark’s decision left fans scratching their heads, especially since she’s not on the Olympic roster.
After playing the game nonstop and taking countless jump shots, Clark addressed her stance head-on, saying she needed time to recover. “I think it’s just rest. I’ve been playing basketball for a year straight,” she said.
“It’s not an easy thing to just show up and just shoot off of a rack. It’s something I’ve never done before. It’s not something I’ve had time to practice, and I’m focused on helping my team win games,” she continued. “Enjoying this break, there will be plenty of opportunities for me to do that at some point.”
Chennedy Carter adds to controversy by asking
Chennedy Carter adds to controversy by asking – ‘What does Caitlin Clark bring to the table?’ Clark contributed 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists on the night as her team won in front of the home crowd in Indianapolis for a first time this season. The 22-year-old was left sprawling after the cynical barge from opposition star Carter, with the action judged to have been a common foul in real time. However, a review from the WNBA in the wake of the incident has now saw it re-categorized as a flagrant-1 violation. It appears that Carter has been in no mood to apologize for the push despite the criticism that has been leveled towards her since. She said in a press conference after the Sky’s loss: “I ain’t answering no CaitlinClark questions,” before batting away questions over any words exchanged with Clark.
The controversial foul from the Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter on the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark has come in for criticism, but it appears that the WNBA player is refusing to apologize
Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter remains unapologetic after knocking Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark to the ground (Image: Getty )
Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter has criticized Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark in a brutal social media post amid the fallout from her flagrant foul on the youngster on Saturday afternoon.
Clark, the former Iowa college basketball star, contributed 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists on the night as her team won in front of the home crowd in Indianapolis for a first time this season. Edging out a 71-70 triumph, the controversial push on Clark in the third quarter of the Fever’s victory has been the subject of widespread discourse.
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The 22-year-old was left sprawling after the cynical barge from opposition star Carter, with the action judged to have been a common foul in real time. However, a review from the WNBA in the wake of the incident has now saw it re-categorized as a flagrant-1 violation.
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READ MORE: Chennedy Carter takes aim at Caitlin Clark on social media after refusing reporter’s questionREAD MORE: Caitlin Clark has the last laugh in spicy first WNBA encounter with Angel Reese
It appears that Carter has been in no mood to apologize for the push despite the criticism that has been leveled towards her since. Speaking in a press conference after the Sky’s loss, she said: “I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions,” before batting away questions over any words exchanged with Clark, adding: “I don’t know what she said. I didn’t say anything.”
Reacting to footage of the presser which was posted on Threads, she then fired an insult the way of the Indiana player. Dismissing the No. 1 overall 2024 WNBA Draft pick’s attributes, she said: “That’s that on that cause beside three point shooting what does she bring to the table man.”
When it comes to Clark, she called out Carter in an on-court ESPN interview, saying: “Yeah, that’s just not a basketball play. But you know I’ve gotta play through it, that’s what basketball is about at this level. I thought we’ve been really physical, we’ve missed some bunnies around the rim, so hopefully those fall in the fourth.”
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Caitlin Clark called out the actions of Carter after she was knocked to the ground by Chicago Sky guard (Image: Getty Images )
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“It is what it is. I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate. Just let them hit you, be what it is, don’t let it get in your head and know it’s coming. I think at this point, I know I’m gonna take a couple hard shots a game, and that’s what it is.”
Clark added: “I’m trying not to let it bother me, and just stay in the game and stay in what’s important. Because usually it’s the second person that gets caught if you retaliate or something. I’m just trying to stay in the game and focus on my team and focus on what’s important.”
Meanwhile, Fever head coach Christie Sides appeared disgruntled by the treatment of her player as she called out the WNBA in a barbed social media post. She wrote: “This is unacceptable WNBA. When will the consistent complaints be heard?!? Something has to be done!”
5 WNBA free agents could join Caitlin Clark including star who rejected Angel Reese offer
The Indiana Fever will look to build on Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie of the Year campaign next season during free agency. The Fever finished the season with a balanced 20-20 record and will need reinforcements to win a title. Nneka Ogwumike could join the Fever as one of the league’s most versatile players. Indiana must address its complementary talent and players who could be in different jerseys next year. Their primary needs include a scoring guard capable of replacing Kelsey Mitchell’s offensive production and perimeter defenders who can also stretch the floor with outside shooting. If Erica Wheeler departs, the Fever could save over $200,000 in salary, providing them with financial flexibility heading intoFree Agency. If Angel Reese rejects the offer from the Fever, the team could bring her back to Chicago. If the Fever reject the Angel Reese offer, the Chicago Bulls could bring back Angel Reese and the Indiana Fever could sign the star who rejected Angel Reese’s offer. If they don’t sign Reese, the Bulls could re-sign Angel Reese.
After a first round WNBA Playoffs exit, the Indiana Fever aims to build around Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark in free agency with players like Nneka Ogwumike available to strengthen title chances
Kia Nurse and Nneka Ogwumike are unrestricted free agents as the Fever look to build for a title (Image: Getty )
The Indiana Fever will look to build on Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie of the Year campaign next season during free agency in hopes of assembling a roster capable of advancing further than their first-round playoff exit this year. The Fever finished the season with a balanced 20-20 record and will need reinforcements to win a title.
The Fever claimed third place in the Eastern Conference and made the playoffs, an achievement as they made their first postseason appearance since 2016. But after being swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first round, the Fever know they need to add pieces to help Clark steer the ship to victory.
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At the heart of the team’s future are two young superstars, Clark and Aliyah Boston, both former No. 1 picks. Clark, whose scoring and playmaking earned her Rookie of the Year honors, averaged 19.2 points per game, matching the production of veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell.
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Boston emerged as a dominant force in the paint, giving Indiana a dynamic inside-out presence. Beyond these core pieces, Indiana must address its complementary talent and players who could be in different jerseys next year.
Kelsey Mitchell has averaged at least 17 points per game since 2020 and was the second overall pick in the 2018 draft. Her three-year contract extension expires at the end of this season, making her an unrestricted free agent. In the media, she has expressed excitement about testing the free agency market, which raises questions about her future in Indiana.
Despite being eligible for a max contract from the Fever, Mitchell may seek new opportunities elsewhere, potentially leaving the team needing a high-scoring replacement. Alongside Mitchell, Erica Wheeler is also entering free agency.
The Fever were swept in Round 1 of the WNBA Playoffs (Image: Getty )
Wheeler, a veteran guard who provided valuable leadership and backcourt stability, could leave a significant gap in the roster if she signs elsewhere. If Wheeler departs, the Fever could save over $200,000 in salary, providing them with financial flexibility heading into free agency.
With key decisions to be made, the Fever must target players who can complement the blossoming duo of Clark and Boston. Their primary needs include a scoring guard capable of replacing Mitchell’s offensive production and perimeter defenders who can also stretch the floor with outside shooting.
Nneka Ogwumike: Seattle Storm, Forward
Nneka Ogwumike could join the Fever as one of the league’s most versatile players
Age: 34
34 Points per game: 16.6
16.6 Rebounds per game: 7.6
7.6 Assists per game: 2.3
Ogwumike is one of the league’s most versatile, intelligent, and physically imposing players. Last season, she shot 40 percent from the 3-point line and can guard both the perimeter and the post.
The 2016 league MVP has made three consecutive All-Star appearances, nine in her career. Ogwumike also praised Clark’s game during the season, saying, “You can’t deny her impact.”
Gabby Williams: Seattle Storm, Forward
Gabby Williams is efficient and could play alongside Clark (Image: Getty )
Age: 28
28 Points per game: 10.3
10.3 Rebounds per game: 4.0
4.0 Assists per game: 3.7
Williams returned to the WNBA after her performance with the French team during the 2024 Paris Olympics and proved that she not only deserved her place in the league but is also an effective scorer, scoring double-digit points in four of her last five games.
After playing in the league for six seasons, Williams saw career highs in points per game, field goal efficiency, and minutes, proving to be effective when authorized to be a constant on the floor.
Fresh off the back of her Olympics performance, Angel Reese publicly expressed her desire to play with Williams and bring her back to the Chicago Sky. Williams quickly ruled that out – but Clark could get the chance to play with her that Reese wanted.
Kia Nurse: Los Angeles Sparks, Guard
Kia Nurse could replace Kelsey Mitchell in free agency (Image: Getty )
Age: 28
28 Points per game: 7.6
7.6 Rebounds per game: 1.6
1.6 Assists per game: 1.3
Nurse is a career 32 percent three-point threat who can stretch the floor. She is coming off a 48 percent effective field goal percentage, the highest of her career. Her ball handling and playmaking abilities could allow for the Fever to continue having the ability to pair Clark with a guard where either could initiate the offense, as the other plays off the ball to get open for 3-point attempts.
Odyssey Sims: Los Angeles Sparks, Guard
Odyssey Sims is a veteran that knows what it takes to win (Image: Getty )
Sims also has scoring and playmaking abilities and is coming off a career-high 52 percent field goal percentage. The 11-year veteran has had eight stints with six different teams and will look to settle in with a team of the future in hopes of winning a title before an eventual retirement.
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ESPN come under fire as Caitlin Clark controversy leaves WNBA legend Sue Bird baffled
ESPN come under fire as Caitlin Clark controversy leaves WNBA legend Sue Bird baffled. Network refused to include her as one of the greatest women’s college basketball players of all time due to her lack of major titles in the sport. Clark has been a sporting sensation in the WNBA, coming through the ranks at the Iowa Hawkeyes in college and breaking many records on her way to the big leagues. The all-time top scorer in the NCAA was selected first overall in the 2024 Draft by Indiana Fever. But despite her incredible career in college basketball – which saw her put up unprecedented numbers – ESPN controversially failed to include the young point guard in their list of the top five greatest athletes to hit college courts. One disgruntled fan said: “Yeah but who puts a—- in seats?! GOAT @caitlinclark22”, and a second added: “No college championship and still killing it!! Got all of them talking about her!! They keep her name in their mouths!!”.
The network refused to include Caitlin Clark as one of the greatest women’s college basketball players of all time due to her lack of major titles in the sport – but not everyone is in agreement
Caitlin Clark has been snubbed in ESPN’s list of the greatest collegiate athletes (Image: Justin Casterline/Getty Images )
Caitlin Clark fans have been angered after ESPN snubbed her in the list of the top five women’s college basketball stars, with WNBA icon Sue Bird also criticizing the network.
Clark has been a sporting sensation in the WNBA, coming through the ranks at the Iowa Hawkeyes in college and breaking many records on her way to the big leagues. The all-time top scorer in the NCAA was selected first overall in the 2024 Draft by Indiana Fever, and has been an impressive addition to the WNBA ever since.
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The 23-year-old secured the Rookie of the Year title and was also named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year, despite missing out on the championship title in her maiden year – which was won by New York Liberty.
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In her career for Iowa, Clark became the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader (3,951) and the single-season scoring leader (1,234). She also led Division One in scoring, assisting, and three-pointers on multiple occasions throughout her time in the sport.
But despite her incredible career in college basketball – which saw her put up unprecedented numbers – ESPN controversially failed to include the young point guard in their list of the top five greatest athletes to hit college courts.
In fact, the network chose to leave Clark out of the list altogether because she did not win a championship title in her college years – even though she made it to back-to-back title games with Iowa.
ESPN reporter Ari Chambers said: “In the open, we said, ‘What makes a top-five player? Winning. The only thing, the only strike against Caitlin Clark, is that she has not won a National Championship.
“And that is the only thing that you can put against her because the way that she has dominated the record books when she was at Iowa was something you could put duplicate. … But how can you be a top-five player if you have not won a title?”.
Viewers were left dumbfounded by ESPN’s choice to leave Clark out of the picture despite using her name in the title of the YouTube video itself. One disgruntled fan said: “Yeah but who puts a—- in seats?! GOAT @caitlinclark22”, and a second added: “No college championship and still killing it!! Got all of them talking about her!! They keep her name in their mouths!!”.
One also said: “These ladies were all on super teams, but Caitlin put Iowa on her back and went to the finals — twice — so I’m not buying it ESPN. Once again, you’ve embarrassed yourself.”
Sue Bird was also in disagreement with ESPN’s snubbing of Clark (Image: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images )
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WNBA legend Sue Bird was also left stunned by ESPN’s snub of Clark, as she appeared on her ‘A Touch More’ podcast to defend the Fever point guard’s lack of a major title. Bird said: “Listen, I think the way that I’m looking at this – no, Caitlin didn’t win (a title); it’s why she’s not No. 1 (on the list).
“I think going to the national championship game two years in a row, basically playing big in every big game, hitting every big shot in every big moment – there’s something to that clearly.
“[She’s] obviously special, definitely one of the greatest of all time. And I think when I really look at lists like this, it’s kind of like, do you go based on just resumé, or do you based on if we had a draft, who would you take? And there’s no way you’re not taking Caitlin Clark in the top five. And to me, there’s no way you’re not taking her in the top three.”
Candace Parker risks angering Caitlin Clark fans with early Unrivaled take
Candace Parker called Chelsea Gray the best point guard in the WNBA. Parker and Gray played together on the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2016 WNBA Finals. Clark is not competing in the first season of Unrivaled. The 22-year-old declined to join the breakaway 3-on-3 league because she doesn’t need the exposure the league provides and would rather rest. Some pundits believe Clark needing to rest is warranted after the grueling year she had, which started with her playing for Iowa and ending her basketball year in the playoffs with the Fever. The door remains open for Clark, if she were to ever change her mind, according to the league’s President Alex Bazzell, who admits that Clark did not have any down time and that she is always welcomed to join. The league will feature Angel Reese, Brittney Sykes, Kahleah Copper, Azura Stevens and Lexie Hull.
WNBA legend Candace Parker risks angering Caitlin Clark’s fans after claiming star guard Chelsea Gray was the best point guard in the league while breaking down Unrivaled teams
Candace Parker claimed another point guard was the best in the world instead of Caitlin Clark (Image: Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images )
Candace Parker could find herself on the bad side of Caitlin Clark’s fans after making a comment regarding the Indiana Fever star’s standing in the WNBA.
Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, knows a thing or two about playing with exceptional players, including point guards. As she broke down the teams competing in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, she began talking about her former teammate and current Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray.
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Gray and Parker played together on the Los Angeles Sparks, helping the franchise win the 2016 WNBA Finals. As such, the WNBA legend understands just how talented Gray is and is uniquely qualified to speak on the 32-year-old’s exploits and her standing among the best guards in league history.
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3 Unrivaled players to watch as Angel Reese links up with Caitlin Clark teammate READ MORE:
While speaking on Gray and the impact she’ll have on Rose Basketball Club, Parker called her former the “best point guard in the world” on more than one occasion. And while the comment itself is innocuous, many on social media already believed Parker committed a basketball faux pas by not naming Clark as No. 1.
“Candace Parker probably just p—– off an entire fanbase before we tipped off,” one fan wrote, along with three crying emojis. For Parker to call Gray the best point guard in the league makes sense considering the two were teammates in the past and what the guard has done in the past.
Gray is a three-time WNBA champion, winning a championship with the Sparks and twice with the Aces. Interestingly, the duo won a championship together twice, in 2016 and 2023.
Chelsea Gray is considered one of the best point guards in the WNBA (Image: Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images )
The Aces star also will be a calming force for Rose BC in Unrivaled, playing alongside Angel Reese, Brittney Sykes, Kahleah Copper, Azura Stevens and Lexie Hull. Unrivaled features some of the biggest stars in the WNBA, but Clark will not be among those.
Though the Indiana Fever star was invited to join the breakaway 3-on-3 league, Clark declined and kept the reason for her denial close to her chest. However, a league source explained that the reason why the 22-year-old wasn’t participating was because she doesn’t need the exposure the league provides and would rather rest.
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Some pundits believe Clark needing to rest is warranted after the grueling year she had, which started with her playing for Iowa and ending her basketball year in the playoffs with the Fever. All of that happened in the span of one year, which explains why the star would rather rest than play more basketball.
Among those pundits is Skip Bayless, who declared on X that it was good for the star to take time away from the game. “After all the jealousy and resentment she felt last season – all the cheap shots and bullying attempts – she made a late-season run at MVP,” he wrote. “SHE’S the reason WNBA popularity exploded last season. She doesn’t need 3-on-3.”
In the end, while Clark is not competing in the first season of Unrivaled, the door remains open for her, if she were to ever change her mind. Alex Bazzell, the President of Unrivaled, admits that Clark did not have any down time and that she is always welcomed to join the league.
Hailey Van Lith denies TCU commitment reports but confirms official school decision is ‘close’
Hailey Van Lith denies TCU commitment reports but confirms official school decision is ‘close’ Former LSU guard shot down reports that she officially committed to TCU, insisting she was still mulling over all her options. Van Lith sent shockwaves across women’s college basketball earlier this month when she entered the transfer portal on the heels of a disappointing season with the Tigers. After leading Louisville to three straight Elite Eight appearances and a trip to the Final Four, the Washington native shockingly announced she’d be transferring to Louisiana-Lafayette in the summer of 2013. The 22-year-old averaged 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and a career-high 3.6 assists over 33 games with LSU in 2013-14. She previously won gold in the USA Basketball 3×3 Olympic competition as a member of the U18 team in 2019, additionally earning a gold medal at the FIBA 3X3 World Cup last year.
Former LSU guard Hailey Van Lith shot down reports that she officially committed to TCU, insisting she was still mulling over all her options after entering the transfer portal
Hailey Van Lith insisted she hasn’t officially committed to TCU (Image: Andy Hancock/NCAA Photos/NCAA Photos via Getty Images )
Former LSU guard Hailey Van Lith is pumping the brakes on her reported transfer to TCU.
Van Lith sent shockwaves across women’s college basketball earlier this month when she entered the transfer portal on the heels of a disappointing season with the Tigers. Following a visit to Fort Worth, multiple outlets reported that the 22-year-old decided to attend TCU for her final year of college eligibility. While recently speaking with The Associated Press’ Doug Feinberg, however, Van Lith insisted she hadn’t officially committed to TCU.
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“I did take a visit to TCU and am very interested in them, but I took visits to other schools and was very interested in them, too,” she said. “I haven’t made an official commitment, but I’m very close. The ink has not touched the paper for any school.”
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It’s understandable why Van Lith would want to mull over all of her options before choosing a new school. After leading Louisville to three straight Elite Eight appearances and a trip to the Final Four, the Washington native shockingly announced she’d be transferring to LSU. But her brief tenure in Baton Rouge didn’t go as planned, as she never seemed to be comfortable in her new role with the Tigers.
“Her aspirations were to get drafted this year,” LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said of Van Lith during a team banquet, per Nola.com. “And she realized, ‘I need another year, and I need to go back to a place where I can relax and get back to my normal position.’ And what do you do? You hug her, and you wish her well.”
Though Van Lith uncharacteristically struggled during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, she still finished the 2023-24 season with an impressive stat line, averaging 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and a career-high 3.6 assists over 33 games with LSU.
Since LSU’s heartbreaking loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight, Van Lith conceded she’s mostly stayed off social media. It wasn’t until the weekend that she learned Haley Cavinder would be returning to Miami, but claimed the 23-year-old’s departure from TCU wouldn’t impact her future decision.
“It’s a non-factor for me,” Van Lith said. “If she had stayed and I did go to TCU, I’d have loved to play with her.”
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Hailey Van Lith entered the transfer portal after a disappointing season with LSU (Image: Sarah Stier/Getty Images )
While multiple teams and coaches try to sway Van Lith into joining their program, the star guard is staying fresh in the offseason by practicing for the USA Basketball 3×3 Olympic competition. She previously won gold in the event as a member of the U18 team in 2019, additionally earning a gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup last year.
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Alongside WNBA stars Dearica Hamby, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, Van Lith is currently undergoing a rigorous training camp in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“Playing against them and seeing how I’m able to score and not score shows me what I need to get better at,” Van Lith said. “It’s a little taste of the league early.”
UCLA coach wanted Angel Reese punished for late-game antics before handshake line dispute
UCLA coach wanted Angel Reese punished for late-game antics before handshake line dispute. Reese had just fouled out with 31.5 seconds left, her explicit words coming as she walked off the floor. Close spent a prolonged period addressing the referees about Reese to no avail. Reese finished the contest with 16 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks, she shot 41.7 percent from the field and 6-of-7 from the line.LSU will meet Iowa in the Elite Eight, a matchup full of intrigue after the Tigers faced Iowa in a 2023 title game. The Hawkeyes will be looking for revenge following their defeat to Kim Mulkey’s team a year ago. The Tigers trailed for stretches in the fourth quarter but tightened up their defense over a momentum-swinging last stretch of action.
UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close appeared to lobby referees to give Angel Reese a technical after the LSU star reacted to fouling out on Saturday in the Sweet 16
Cori Close seemingly asked referees to call a technical on Angel Reese in the final minute of their Sweet 16 game. (Image: Getty Images )
After Angel Reese spoke in the direction of the sideline – either to officials, the UCLA bench or both – Bruins head coach Cori Close seemingly asked referees to assess a technical. Reese had just fouled out with 31.5 seconds left, her explicit words coming as she walked off the floor in LSU’s 78-69 Sweet 16 win on Saturday.
According to ESPN’s TV announcing crew, Close recently commented that she wanted referees to do a better job punishing taunts and other extracurricular activity on the court. The UCLA coach didn’t get her wish, with Reese’s antics going unpunished.
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Then, in the postgame handshake line, Reese appeared to tell a UCLA assistant, “Watch your mouth.” Reese later told reporters that the assistant had been “talking crazy” when she fouled out, contributing to the incident.
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In terms of the whistle Close wanted on Reese with about 30 seconds to go, technical fouls are generally less frequent in the final stages of tight games, though it’s unclear whether that factored into the officiating. Close spent a prolonged period addressing the referees about Reese to no avail.
Reese last picked up a technical foul in a showdown at Texas A&M in February, however she also got an intentional foul earlier this month for excessive contact toward South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso.
In any case, Reese and Co. came away with a hard-fought victory over UCLA that sends them to the Elite Eight. They trailed for stretches in the fourth quarter but tightened up their defense over a momentum-swinging last stretch of action. Flau’jae Johnson made multiple blocks, while Hailey Van Lith drew an important charge.
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Angel Reese recorded a double-double against UCLA. (Image: Getty Images )
Reese finished the contest with 16 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Crucially, she shot 41.7 percent from the field and 6-of-7 from the line in a substantial improvement from the opening two rounds.
Johnson led LSU with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Her defensive work completely changed the game. After swatting a shot with about 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, she also participated in a bit of trash talk, miming the act of putting on a seat belt to show how she was keeping UCLA locked down.
The sophomore has been one of the few consistent parts of LSU’s NCAA Tournament run, as she also made monumental plays in the second round against Middle Tennessee.
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Many of Johnson’s teammates had played down to the opposition until stepping up across the board to defeat the Bruins.
LSU will meet Iowa in the Elite Eight, a matchup full of intrigue after the Tigers faced Iowa in the 2023 title game. The Hawkeyes will be looking for revenge following their defeat to Kim Mulkey’s team a year ago.
Source: https://athlonsports.com/wnba/indiana-fever/fever-coach-admits-mistake-after-denying-caitlin-clark-final-shot-dream