Critical Comments on Caitlyn Clark’s Performance

Dave Portnoy, the head of Barstool Sports and a known supporter of Caitlyn Clark, had some pointed critiques following the Fever’s recent 88-77 loss to the Valkyries.

Clark struggled, making just 11 points and going 0 for 7 on three-point attempts. It was a tough outing for her, tying her for the lowest scoring of the season.

Shortly after the game, Portnoy tweeted, “Caitlyn had a bad game, but I’m happy for Kate Martin.” He also noted that the crowd at Golden State was the first he’d seen that was genuinely there for their team, not just for Clark, a wry observation about the WNBA.

It’s notable, considering Portnoy’s usual enthusiastic support, that he would voice such criticism. Earlier this week, he took shots at the WNBA and even Stephen A. Smith after a brawl involving the Sun. He had a particularly negative take on Marina Mabry’s actions during that incident, reflecting on Clark’s influence as a figure in the league.

Portnoy didn’t shy away from challenging the commentary surrounding Clark’s role, tweeting about Smith’s claims that she could become an instigator. He seemed to find the assertion preposterous, suggesting that there was more to consider in the discussion.

After Thursday’s game, where Clark missed all her long-range shots for only the second time this season, concerns grew about her performance’s consistency. The Fever, despite starting strong, fell short, and her teammates struggled to create openings.

Austin Kelly, the interim coach for the Fever, discussed the team’s strategy against Clark, emphasizing the need for better ball movement to capitalize on their chances. He noted that the Valkyries effectively played physically, which disrupted her rhythm.

In a similar vein, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakaze mentioned their approach to dealing with Clark’s strengths, pointing out her preference for a certain style of play. She acknowledged their focus on physicality as critical to their game plan.