The narrative resurfaces. Entering the second month of the 28th WNBA season, the initial controversy surrounding Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark, that she received from veteran players had seemingly died down. In the All-Star Game, we even witnessed the rookies and veterans come together in mutual praise. However, as the second half of the season continues, similar tensions have reignited the debate. This time, it’s Jewell Loyd who finds herself under scrutiny from fans.

The Fever beat writer Scott Agness released a clip from the Seattle Storm’s postgame press conference on his X account. He captioned the video, “Asked about Caitlin Clark’s growth, Jewell Loyd (2015 WNBA ROY) opts to talks about Storm rookies, adding “our focus is our team…”

Jewell Loyd, who once again put up her offensive masterclass and jotted 26 points, brought attention to Seattle’s rookies. She said, “I’m going to talk about our rookies. Nika’s been great. She’s been awesome. Putting the work in. I think Jordan has been phenomenal too, her second year for growth. Our focus is our team.”

Loyd further emphasized the importance of the rookies’ contributions to the team, even when they’re not on the floor. While her comments were focused on her team, her decision to sidestep Caitlin Clark did not sit well with Indiana fans, especially after the Fever’s 92-75 comeback win against the Storm.

Fans divide on dousing Jewell Loyd as she denies commenting on Caitlin Clark

The Gainbridge Fieldhouse was fuming in passion both on the floor and off of it. In the midst of it all was Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. When Jewell Loyd chose to support her team rather than comment on Clark, many fans were displeased. To them, the underlying animosity towards Clark in the league was still apparent, despite claims that it’s all just competitive spirit.

Bringing the narrative back, a Caitlin Clark fan wished that Loyd should have simply accepted how the rookie has evolved since their last game. They even opined that the WNBA players do not know how to respond to the reporters properly enough. Apparently, they mean that the 2x Olympic gold medalist should have talked about the No. 22 rather than ignore the question altogether. “The hate for CC is so blatant… just acknowledge her skills & growth then go on to build up your teammates. A lot of these ladies never learned basic decorum #FeverWin #WNBA.”

Another thing the basketball world has noticed is that, whether she loses or wins, Caitlin Clark is always ready to share some love. She has previously spoken about how Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike are great players. In fact, in tonight’s postgame presser, Lexie Hull also praised the 9-year veteran. A follower even commented that Clark would have complimented anyone, even if she had lost.

“@jewellloyd I have no idea why these players want to be disliked so badly. Not one time has Caitlin Clark refused to speak on any of the great players she’s been asked about. Even now, put a mic in front of her, she’d heap praise on JL. Sad.”

Ogwumike was quite friendly to Caitlin Clark tonight. When the starters entered the floor, the 9x WNBA All-Star made sure to greet the rookie. After all, they did share a victory over Team USA in the All-Star Game. Resonating with the same, a WNBA follower mentioned how the 6-ft-2 forward would have complimented the guard if she got the same question.

“Nneka would’ve answered”

However, not everyone agreed with what most Caitlin Clark fans wanted. A Pacers follower commented that the question was inappropriate. According to them, Loyd was coming into the press conference after a tough loss to the rookie and her team. In this situation, the reporters should not have asked her about the very player who contributed at least 40% of her team’s total points through scoring and assists.

“As she should. Why would she want to talk about someone who’s not on her team’s progress? It’s a dumb question. She handle it fine.”

One more vote came into Loyd’s pockets as an Indiana loyalist slapped back at the post. For them, anyone in Seattle not answering that question should have been allowed to walk off proudly. Surely, they were doing what their first duty was and that was to focus on their own team.

“I’m a huge Fever and CC fan and I wanna say, I respect and applaud this answer. She is doing what she’s supposed to and supporting her team. Good for her and good for them.”

It’s clear why not everyone agrees with how Loyd handled the question. The Rookie of the Year race is incredibly tight, and any support for Caitlin Clark could help solidify her position as the frontrunner. While we don’t know if Nneka Ogwumike would have answered the question differently, it’s important to remember that this is a competitive league, and players are focused on their own performance and their teams.

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.