Reeve Praises Caitlin Clark Before Lynx Clinch Playoff Spot Amid Controversial Officiating
Cheryl Reeve, who notably left Caitlin Clark off the USA Women’s Basketball roster for the Paris Olympics, got her chance for redemption on Saturday night against the Indiana Fever. Despite her previous icy stance toward the young superstar, Reeve gave Clark some unexpected praise before leading the Minnesota Lynx to a win, thanks in part to inconsistent officiating.
Earlier in the year, Reeve was adamant that Clark didn’t deserve a spot on Team USA during her rookie season. At the time, Clark’s performance was still developing, which provided some justification for Reeve’s decision. However, as the season progressed, Clark quickly established herself as one of the WNBA’s elite, making the absence of her sharpshooting a glaring issue for the U.S. team in France. Reeve’s dismissive and bitter tone when discussing the roster decision only amplified the controversy, especially after her team suffered losses to both the Indiana Fever and the WNBA All-Star team before securing the gold medal.
Despite achieving her Olympic goals, there are strong arguments that Team USA should consider new leadership for the 2028 Olympics. With future stars like Caitlin Clark, Juju Watkins, Angel Reese, Cam Brink, and Paige Bueckers likely leading the squad, a fresh coaching perspective could be crucial to their success.
But before the Lynx and Fever faced off again, Reeve surprised many by offering genuine praise for Clark, marking a significant shift in her attitude. Whether it was a change of heart or a calculated move, Reeve’s kind words preceded a key victory that secured a playoff berth for her team with their sixth consecutive win.
Cheryl Reeve on CC pregame: “I know the sexier part is the logo 3, but pace and passing is what makes her exceptional.”
On CC and Maya Moore, whose jersey is being retired tonight, both being in the building: “I wish one was playing for us — either one.” pic.twitter.com/xj672YuVAb
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) August 24, 2024
Caitlin Clark, as usual, put on a show. The record-breaking rookie scored a team-high 23 points, dished out eight assists, and grabbed five rebounds. In the process, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to surpass 500 points and 200 assists in a season. However, despite her stellar play, Clark and the Fever were on the losing end of some questionable officiating.
Caitlin Clark put her defender on skates with this nasty crossover 😳 pic.twitter.com/g78tipfVXi
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 25, 2024
Two specific plays underscored the inconsistency: one foul was called in favor of the Lynx, while an almost identical play went uncalled for the Fever.
You can literally see both of her feet touch the ground, yet she gets the call pic.twitter.com/roNt0CuDwi
— Brandon (@Brandn_LastName) August 25, 2024
These kinds of officiating discrepancies have become a frustratingly familiar experience for Clark throughout the season.
Caitlin Clark gonna get injured before they call a foul for her pic.twitter.com/m7OiPpAONU
— LeLakers 2️⃣3️⃣ 👑 (@LeLaker) August 25, 2024
In the end, Indiana fell to 13-16, and Cheryl Reeve got her revenge, even as Caitlin Clark continues to prove that she deserved better than just a passing nod of recognition.
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