ESPN’s Caitlin Clark Take Backfires
The Indiana Fever, without Caitlin Clark, lost a nail-biter on Saturday night, falling 89–87 to the Los Angeles Sparks, who came into the game with a 5–13 record. But the bigger blow may have come off the court.
Earlier this week, ESPN analyst Carolyn Peck claimed that the Fever might be “more dangerous” without Caitlin Clark, citing her ball-dominant style. But after Indiana’s late-game collapse and missed opportunities, fans quickly reignited their backlash.
Read More: 20 Reasons Caitlin Clark’s Real Rivalry Is With Paige Bueckers
Critics Fire Back After Late-Game Meltdown
With Clark sitting out her fifth straight game due to a groin injury, the Fever shot just 1-for-6 in the final minute. They missed their final five attempts, including Aliyah Boston’s potential game-winner with three seconds remaining.
“Saying the Indiana Fever are better without Caitlin Clark is the most irrational take I’ve heard in a long time,” tweeted FOX Sports Radio’s Brian Noe. “It’s almost like they needed her today against a team that was 5–13.”
Without Clark, Indiana is now 2–3, struggling to find consistent late-game execution. Still, the team got solid individual performances. Boston posted 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Natasha Howard added 21 points and 9 boards. While Kelsey Mitchell chipped in 19.
Peck had argued that Clark’s absence made the Fever “less predictable.” But critics say that the analysis aged poorly.
Clark, who has been selected as a captain for the WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis, remains day-to-day with no confirmed return date. Until then, the Fever are left searching for ways to win and close games. Which is something Clark has often delivered in.
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