Caitlin Clark had a historic night. The second-year guard dropped 27 points and dished out 11 assists, becoming the WNBA’s all-time leader in 25-point, 10-assist games. But none of that seemed to matter once the final buzzer sounded in Indianapolis.
The Fever fell 91-90 to the Atlanta Dream, and most of the postgame noise wasn’t about Clark’s performance- it was about who didn’t take the last shot.
With 9.1 seconds left and Indiana trailing by one, head coach Stephanie White called on forward Natasha Howard to take the final attempt. Clark, the team’s undisputed offensive engine, was instead tasked with inbounding the ball. The play ended with Howard missing a mid-range jumper after her initial shot was blocked. Fans didn’t just question the choice, they exploded.
Fans Outraged Over Clark’s Exclusion From Final Play
As the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse watched the final possession unfold, confusion quickly turned to frustration. Online, fans tore into White’s late-game decision-making, especially the choice to leave Clark out of the action.
Fever had the lead, by Rhyne Howard's FTs were the difference. Natasha Howard got two looks at it with under 10secs left.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) May 21, 2025
They aren't going undefeated this season; lose to Dream 91-90.
Clark had 27/11a, Mitchell with 24 and 24/10 from Boston. pic.twitter.com/bbkhnZ0rNB
“Garbage last play call what the f*** was that,” one fan posted, referencing the team’s former head coach.
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Garbage last play call what the fuck was that
— Drew to the Game (@SunTzuLive) May 21, 2025
Another wrote, “CALL A FREAKING TIME OUT!!! Caitlin Clark not taking the last shot? You have the greatest player in basketball right now and you don’t have her take the last shot. We’re doing this again?”
CALL A FREAKING TIME OUT!!! CAITLIN CLARK NOT TAKING THE LAST SHOT? You have the greatest player in basketball right now and you don't have her take the last shot. We're doing this again. Are you kidding me and you leave a timeout on the board???? @CaitlinClark22 @IndianaFever…
— His Grace GOAT targaryen (@JasonJDaniel) May 21, 2025
The reactions were pointed and consistent. Fans couldn’t understand why Clark, who had been sharp all night and led the team in scoring and assists, was standing out of the play when it mattered most.
“So the worst shooter on the team gets the ball, and best player stands on the sideline. The worst set up of all time,” one user suggested.
So the worst shooter on the team gets the ball, and best player stands on the sideline. The worst set up of all time.
— Dominik Dumancic (@DomDumancic) May 21, 2025
White hasn’t publicly addressed the criticism, but with just two games down in the young 2025 season, she’ll have plenty of time to reassess her late-game strategies.
The Fever and Dream will meet again Thursday night in Atlanta. All eyes will be on how Indiana adjusts, not just to the Dream’s physical defense but to the rising pressure around decision-making in key moments, especially when Clark is having a night like she did Tuesday.
Also Read: Caitlin Clark Doesn’t Mince Words While Discussing ‘Hateful’ Taunts Directed At Angel Reese
