Stephen A. Thank you for all your support of Caitlin Clark ! C.C. got sick & tired of the disrespect Now the WNBA will pay the price!

Good Luck Caitlin.

Stephen A. Smith Doesn’t Hold Back on His Opinion of Caitlin Clark

While Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever prepare for Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs, ESPN’s “First Take” panel, led by Stephen A. Smith, spoke on Clark’s rookie season.

Smith and Shannon Sharpe exchanged comments on Clark’s impact on the WNBA. Both television personalities believe Clark has had a remarkable rookie season on the court but also credit her for being a game-changer, helping boost the WNBA’s national attention.

Clark has been under the spotlight all season, entering the league with high expectations as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft.

Smith believes that despite all of the adversity surrounding Clark, whether it’s from other analysts or fans around the WNBA community, the rookie has excelled.

“She’s looked absolutely marvelous, regardless of whatever noise that’s been out there,” Smith said. “So when you show that you’re able to perform in the face of adversity, to me, that is the trust testament to greatness.”

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).

Clark cemented herself as one of the best players in the WNBA during her rookie season. She ended the regular season recording 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.

The rookie led the WNBA in average assists and the rookie class in average points.

She was named a WNBA All-Star starter in her rookie season, and following that break for the All-Star game, Clark put her foot on the gas. She helped the Fever clinch a spot in the WNBA playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Indiana finished the season with a 20-20 record, listed as the No. 6 team in the WNBA standings.

The Fever recently played their first game of the postseason. They fell to the No. 3 Connecticut Sun in a blowout fashion. Connecticut defeated Indiana 93-69 in Game 1, and are now looking to close out the series on Wednesday in an elimination Game 2 for the Fever.

Clark finished her WNBA playoff debut with 11 points, eight assists and four rebounds.