Caitlin Clark gives up her stats for a good cause and fans compare her to Angel Reese. Caitlin Clark humiliates Diana Taurasi and ‘forces’ her to eat her words

Indiana Fever. Gilbert Arenas discusses Jayson Tatum by giving Caitlin Clark example
Caitlin Clark made a noteworthy decision during the Indiana Fever’s 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on August 16, choosing to prioritize the team’s victory over a personal milestone.

As the game wound down, Clark had the chance to surpass her WNBA career-high of 30 points, sitting just one basket away with 29 points on the board.Instead of going for the score, Clark intentionally let the shot clock expire, taking a 24-second violation to ensure the win was secure.

Clark’s unselfish move stood in contrast to an earlier incident involving fellow rookie Angel Reese. Earlier in the WNBA season, Reese was accused of padding her stats during a record-setting streak of 15 consecutive double-doubles.

The criticism peaked during a July 13 game against the New York Liberty when Reese, despite heavy defense, attempted a last-second shot in a losing effort, prompting some to question her motives.

While Reese’s actions sparked debate, with some fans and analysts defending her desire to maintain a personal record, Clark’s decision drew attention for its focus on the collective outcome rather than individual achievement.

This contrast between the two rookies’ approaches highlights differing philosophies on competition and success within the league.

Indiana Fever. Caitlin Clark humiliates Diana Taurasi and ‘forces’ her to eat her words
Indiana Fever. Gilbert Arenas discusses Jayson Tatum by giving Caitlin Clark example
Caitlin Clark made a noteworthy decision during the Indiana Fever’s 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on August 16, choosing to prioritize the team’s victory over a personal milestone.

As the game wound down, Clark had the chance to surpass her WNBA career-high of 30 points, sitting just one basket away with 29 points on the board.

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Caitlin Clark makes a fan for life: Signs onesie for two-week-old baby at Fever Fore Change event

Instead of going for the score, Clark intentionally let the shot clock expire, taking a 24-second violation to ensure the win was secure.

An unselfish decision
Clark’s unselfish move stood in contrast to an earlier incident involving fellow rookie Angel Reese. Earlier in the WNBA season, Reese was accused of padding her stats during a record-setting streak of 15 consecutive double-doubles.

The criticism peaked during a July 13 game against the New York Liberty when Reese, despite heavy defense, attempted a last-second shot in a losing effort, prompting some to question her motives.

While Reese’s actions sparked debate, with some fans and analysts defending her desire to maintain a personal record, Clark’s decision drew attention for its focus on the collective outcome rather than individual achievement.

This contrast between the two rookies’ approaches highlights differing philosophies on competition and success within the league.

“Reese isn’t the first to stat pad at the end of games or chase records,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote in a post on X.

“We have seen it in the NBA and NFL. Players care, fans care, coaches care and their teammates care about these milestones. It’s an impressive record regardless. Good on the Liberty for not just letting her keep it going. Earned not given is something we can all respect.”