Kate Linklark received some disappointing news on Thursday, as first reported by Athlon Sports. Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, missed the chance to extend a four-game winning streak on Thursday. However, the Indiana Fever snapped their own losing streak by earning an 81-54 win against the Las Vegas Aces. This marked the second straight game in which the Fever held their opponents to under 60 points, a feat unseen in the WNBA since 2003.
After starting the season 2-3 without Clark, the Fever have improved to 4-1 during her recent absence due to a quadriceps injury that kept her out for three weeks. While Indiana is finding success, there is tension around Clark related to the 2025 All-Star Game. Despite the Fever’s latest victory, Clark received disappointing news when it was announced that the Minnesota Lynx’s head coach Cheryl Reeve would be coaching Team Clark.
Reeve has been openly critical of Clark in the past. Last May, she voiced frustration over WNBA TV coverage and the focus placed on Clark, using hashtags like #12Team and #ThewismorethanOnePlayer to highlight her point. Reeve also served as the head coach for the 2024 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, and many fans suspected she influenced Clark’s exclusion from the roster.
The announcement drew strong reactions from fans, who expressed frustration at the league’s apparent pairing of Reeve and Clark. Comments ranged from disappointment to outright anger, with many referencing Reeve’s past criticisms and the belief that she hindered Clark’s Olympic chances. Fans worried that this dynamic could negatively impact Clark’s role and performance, fearing Reeve’s reluctance to support her fully.
Fan Take: This news is significant because it underscores the tension between star players and influential figures within the WNBA, which can affect the sport’s growth and player dynamics. For fans, how this relationship unfolds could shape the future visibility and support of emerging talents like Caitlin Clark, impacting the league’s narrative and competitive spirit.
