Caitlin Clark supporters confused by unusual ending of tough defeat

Indiana Fever Narrowly Misses Comeback Against Atlanta Dream

The Indiana Fever had a chance to complete a significant comeback but ultimately fell short against the Atlanta Dream, losing 91-90. They attempted two shots in the final moments that could have sealed the game, but neither hit the mark.

Caitlyn Clark, who scored 27 points, didn’t get off a shot on those final plays. Instead, she inbounded the ball with less than ten seconds left and wasn’t involved afterward.

Natasha Howard’s initial shot was blocked, and shortly thereafter, she ran into a defender. Meanwhile, teammate Near Coffey secured the rebound, allowing the Dream to run out the remaining time.

As the clock wound down, fans were left puzzled as to why Clark didn’t attempt a critical shot.

“Someone needs to explain to me why Caitlyn Clark inbounded that ball at the end of the game,” vented Dave Portnoy, a supporter of Clark. “Shouldn’t it be in her hands to finish it? The newer players didn’t perform well, but Clark and Aliya were fantastic.”

Head coach Stephanie White offered some reasoning but it’s unclear whether it will satisfy critics like Portnoy. “I initially wanted to get the ball to Aliyah Boston, but she was covered. Natasha was open,” White explained. “We probably should’ve called a timeout in that situation. I thought Tash had a clear path; she had some good looks.”

Throughout the game, Indiana struggled, down 44-42 for an extended stretch while Clark was working towards her second triple-double of the season. But then the Dream went on an 11-0 run, which made it seem like the game was slipping away. Yet, after Clark hit two deep three-pointers in quick succession, the Fever was only down by four.

Indiana couldn’t inch closer for several minutes, but eventually tied the game after Aliya Boston sank two free throws with just 21.7 seconds remaining, giving the Fever their first lead since they scored the opening basket.

However, Rhyne Howard from the Dream responded with two free throws shortly after, allowing Atlanta to reclaim the lead with just 9.7 seconds left.

Clark ended the night with 27 points and 11 assists, marking her 10th game scoring over 20 points while assisting 10 or more—a feat that ties her with Courtney Vandersloot for the WNBA record, though Clark has done it in just 42 games compared to Vandersloot’s 430.