Long before the Olympics, Natasha Cloud expressed the need for the WNBA to reschedule its game days. Teams had to play 25 games in just two months. After facing a disappointing 98-89 loss against the Indiana Fever, Cloud voiced her concerns again during the postgame conference. Her statement quickly received both support and criticism from netizens. This Olympic year has undoubtedly made it hectic for the players, who have had back-to-back games.

This schedule takes a toll, with less time to practice and a higher risk of injuries. Advocating against it, Cloud suggested that the pro league should instead extend the season by a few more weeks. More time between games would provide players with adequate recovery.

“I just hope that we continue, that WNBA continues to look at the scheduling. Even playing back-to-back games off a month break and three games in four days is crazy, and every team’s doing it,” Cloud said. She further clarified, “It’s not an excuse, but I just hope that when looking forward and when we know these events are coming up, that we just do a better job of protecting players’ bodies more than anything.” 

Some fans supported her, while others weren’t fond of the idea, pointing to the example of Fever, who had to start the season in a similar fashion. “Fever had to start the season that way- it was brutal…not good for any of them but Olympics created that situation as I understand,” one of the fans tweeted. 

Here is how the fans reacted to it.

Natasha Cloud’s demand gets mixed reactions from fans

One of the fans agreed with Natasha. This netizen even explained how playing 11 games in 20 days was tough and suggested that what’s happening with the Indiana Fever could be a setup. Additionally, at the beginning of the W season, the Fever played their first seven games in 12 days. “She’s right. That’s 11 games in 20 days start for the Fever was a set up. They didn’t have that, they are a 500 team now minimum,” the netizen said.

Another of Natasha’s supporters explained how it was tough for the Fever as well rather than placing them on a pedestal for doing the impossible and wrote, “The Fever is still digging themselves out of the hole they fell into when the league handed them 11 games in 20 days stretch. I hope a schedule as brutal as that won’t happen again in the league.”

Another netizen has a strange opinion. While the fan agreed with Cloud, this one also wanted a “payback” moment. “everyone thought it was sweet when the fever had the toughest schedule. pay back time,” the comment wrote.

Let’s not forget, that Cloud was one of the few who had raised the concern earlier, pointing out how players are getting injured. They are rarely getting sleep and are falling sick. Another fan didn’t seem keen to show sympathy and wrote about Fever’s road games. “Cry me a river. Look how the Fever started the season. First 4 games were all NY and Connecticut,” the comment read.

The three Olympic members of the team looked fatigued while playing in the games. While Kahleah Copper dished out 32 points, Diana Taurasi had 16 points. Cloud might be right if this had an impact on the team’s performance. But it will depend on whether the league makes a rescheduling in the next Olympic year.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.