In a league where breaking records seems to be Caitlin Clark’s daily hobby, it’s a bit surprising when she’s not showered with every accolade available. Rookie of the Year? Absolutely. MVP? Well, that’s where things get a little spicy – or, in this case, downright fiery. Clark, who spent her rookie year turning WNBA stat sheets into her personal art gallery, finished fourth in MVP voting, and folks – especially Fever coach Christie Sides – are not happy about it.
But let’s rewind a bit. Clark, the Indiana Fever’s prized possession, just had a rookie season that defies logic. Averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, she set more records than your grandma at bingo night. The most assists in a single season? Check. First rookie to drop two triple-doubles? Double check. Most points by a rookie? You guessed it – checkmate. Yet, when the MVP voting rolled around, it seems the league had other plans, placing her fourth. Yep, you heard that right. Behind Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who probably has a room in her house dedicated to all her MVP trophies at this point.
As expected, this news didn’t sit well with Christie Sides, the Fever’s ever-passionate head coach. When asked about Clark’s MVP placement in a pre-playoff interview, Sides went full steam ahead – and honestly, who could blame her?
“Look, Caitlin’s had a season that makes you rethink what it means to be a rookie in this league,” Sides fired, probably doing her best to keep from launching her clipboard across the room. “She’s shattered records, redefined expectations, and to see her finish fourth? It’s shocking. I mean, has anyone even checked if the voters were paying attention?”
And let’s be real – she’s not wrong. Clark wasn’t just playing ball; she was orchestrating symphonies on the court. Her passing was so slick, defenders probably started seeing double. Her shooting? Let’s just say she could probably nail a three-pointer while blindfolded and spinning. And the Fever? Thanks to Clark’s wizardry, they turned their season around, finishing with a 20-20 record and sliding into the playoffs like they’d been planning it all along.
But, alas, MVP voters apparently had other ideas. A’ja Wilson, who could probably win MVP while sleepwalking, secured the top spot, while Clark had to settle for Rookie of the Year honors – not too shabby, but still, fourth place? Really?
Cue the fan outrage. Social media erupted, with hashtags like #ClarkGotSnubbed and #MVPgate trending faster than a TikTok dance challenge. And honestly, who can blame them? The Fever went 9-5 in their last 14 games, largely thanks to Clark’s post-Olympic break heroics. Meanwhile, MVP voters must have been distracted by something shiny, because Clark’s on-court dominance should have had her in the top three at the very least.
Sides, who clearly has Clark’s back no matter what, added more fuel to the fire. “If she’s not top three material, then I must’ve been watching a different season,” Sides quipped, probably only half-joking. “But hey, I wouldn’t want anyone else leading this team. Caitlin’s the future of this franchise – and, quite frankly, the league.”
And as the Fever head into their playoff showdown against the Connecticut Sun, all eyes are glued to Clark. Can she keep up the magic and make the MVP voters regret their decision? Or will she simply add fuel to the debate by delivering another jaw-dropping performance that’ll have critics, fans, and maybe even Christie Sides screaming, “We told you so!”
Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Caitlin Clark has already proven she’s more than just Rookie of the Year. She’s a force to be reckoned with – and the MVP voters? Well, they might want to reconsider their choices when Clark comes knocking next year.