Social media was buzzing after the Fever fell to the Sky in the latest matchup between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on Sunday when Clark went through the final moments of the game without a shot.
Through the final seven minutes, Clark had just two shots and the Fever scored just five points.
Clark finished the game with 17 points and 13 assists, but the big topic of conversation was her lack of shots late in the close 88-87 Indiana loss.
The first overall pick in this year’s WNBA draft didn’t think it was as big a deal that she didn’t shoot much late in the game when she addressed reporters.
“I’m sure there was an opportunity or two for me to probably attempt another shot there at the end, but I trust my teammates,” Clark said. “Obviously 13 assists, that means my teammates scored off of 13 of my passes. It’s a really great number so I’m going to give them the ball every time. Give them an opportunity to score. I believe in them.”
The question will take center stage over why Clark didn’t shoot in some of the crunch time moments on Sunday.
Fever coach Christie Sides was also catching her share of criticism after the game, but she also seemed to question why Clark didn’t shoot more.
“I never want her to not be aggressive and take shots,” Sides said before specifically referencing a moment with the Fever down by one in the closing seconds of the game.
“I thought she was going to take it to the rim or pull up right. That would have been a great shot for her and for our team.”
Christie Sides reacts during the Fever’s loss to the Sky on June 23, 2024.Getty Images
The Fever had been up by 15 at the end of the third quarter when things started to go the other way.
The loss was Indiana’s 11th of the season.
But the talk online after was Clark not shooting and the Fever not running plays specifically to free her up for a shot — instead focusing on fellow star Aliyah Boston.
“Like others have said, Caitlin Clark gotta be more selfish in certain situations. I know she’s making the correct plays but sometimes it’s just gotta be you taking that!” former Jets guard Damien Woody wrote on X.
“Caitlin Clark should have taken the last shot. That’s why you have her. For moments like that. Period,” Robert Griffin III chimed in.
Griffin added: “Back to back possessions and the Indiana Fever don’t put the ball in the hands of Caitlin Clark when down 2 and down 3,” WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!
Sunday’s game marked the last time until Aug. 30 that Clark and Reese will go head to head.
