2025 WNBA Regular Season

[bballnut90]

Rough finish for Indy, refs did them no favors either. They stopped executing well and settled for mediocre perimeter shots. When they did execute, Boston had a couple of good looks inside that she missed down the stretch. She was money all game before that.

Was not a fan of the no call on Bonner on the 2nd to last Fever possession, followed by Sabrina getting bailed out on a foul call when she initiated contact and Hull was straight up. Last call I thought there was some contact but was fine with the no-call.

Clark struggled once again on just 1 day of rest. 6-19 FG, 2-12 from 3, 16 points, 10 assists, 10 TOs.

 

[TheFarmFan]

Hahaha

For some reason I was thinking they played Phoenix twice, who is probably better than most thought they were going to be.

Uh...pretty sure the Liberty are the reigning champs though.

Hahaha you're right. My brain was in the alternate timeline where the refs didn't hand it to the Libs and the commissioner wasn't literally draped into Liberty swag for that final game.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Hahaha

Hahaha you're right. My brain was in the alternate timeline where the refs didn't hand it to the Libs and the commissioner wasn't literally draped into Liberty swag for that final game.

Yeah...I deleted my comments, but kinda felt like the zebras just gift wrapped this game for the Lib against the Fever. One team shoots, doesn't matter how many defenders are around or how much contact, no foul. Other team shoots, almost automatic whistle regardless of what actually occurred. If there was a way to get rid of refs, the sport of basketball would be so much better.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Was not a fan of the no call on Bonner on the 2nd to last Fever possession

She got a 2 hand shove to the back from Cloud. It's utterly ludicrous that wasn't called.

 

[GamecockFam]

Rough finish for Indy, refs did them no favors either. They stopped executing well and settled for mediocre perimeter shots. When they did execute, Boston had a couple of good looks inside that she missed down the stretch. She was money all game before that.

Was not a fan of the no call on Bonner on the 2nd to last Fever possession, followed by Sabrina getting bailed out on a foul call when she initiated contact and Hull was straight up. Last call I thought there was some contact but was fine with the no-call.

Clark struggled once again on just 1 day of rest. 6-19 FG, 2-12 from 3, 16 points, 10 assists, 10 TOs.

The Fever need to work on under 1 min execution. Both losses to Atlanta and New York were lost from bad execution on the last few possessions.

 

[GamecockFam]

She got a 2 hand shove to the back from Cloud. It's utterly ludicrous that wasn't called.

Yeah that no call was . Cloud clearly mauled Bonner. Too bad you can't challenge a no call. I wonder if they could figure out a rule to allow teams to use their available challenge to challenge a no call in the last minute of play. That feels kind of like opening Pandora's box, so I doubt it would ever happen but wishful thinking...

 

[Dillon77]

She got a 2 hand shove to the back from Cloud. It's utterly ludicrous that wasn't called.

Cloud has always seemed to be a master of the push or hold in which she does not quite extend her elbows; hence, refs often let the push, in particular, go by. As an older, slower than I used to be hoopster who is now a lumbering not-very-powerful power forward, I have learned the intricacies of lane play. And these two actions are very much in play every week.

What makes Cloud interesting is she's a guard operating out of the lane.

 

[baggerbob]

Cloud has always seemed to be a master of the push or hold in which she does not quite extend her elbows; hence, refs often let the push, in particular, go by. As an older, slower than I used to be hoopster who is now a lumbering not-very-powerful power forward, I have learned the intricacies of lane play. And these two actions are very much in play every week.

What makes Cloud interesting is she's a guard operating out of the lane.

The new found Clark fans are really in for a rude awakening when Clark starts playing on the National team. Fiba refs and the Olympic games let a lot more go then the WNBA does. The physicality in the WNBA is mild compared to the World Cup and Olympics.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Rough finish for Indy, refs did them no favors either. They stopped executing well and settled for mediocre perimeter shots. When they did execute, Boston had a couple of good looks inside that she missed down the stretch. She was money all game before that.

Was not a fan of the no call on Bonner on the 2nd to last Fever possession, followed by Sabrina getting bailed out on a foul call when she initiated contact and Hull was straight up. Last call I thought there was some contact but was fine with the no-call.

Clark struggled once again on just 1 day of rest. 6-19 FG, 2-12 from 3, 16 points, 10 assists, 10 TOs.

I would agree that the Fever got screwed on a couple of calls late, so that was unfortunate. Of course, I also have to point out that Stephanie White just cannot beat the New York Liberty. She's only won what--TWO games against the NYL TOTAL since returning to WNBA coaching in 2023?

The Caitlin Clark turnover issues are just--puzzling. She's a stellar passer, but some of the passes she attempts are just head scratchers. I think the Fever would either benefit from having a better/more reliable back-up PG or, as I've said before, letting some of the offense (especially in the halfcourt) run through Aliyah Boston.

As for the Liberty, it's going to be tough to beat them if you can't stop/slow down Jonquel Jones. They're the best team in the league BY FAR when they realize how important it is to play through her. There aren't many teams in the league who can play straight up against her because she's too big (and gets away with a ton of extra contact--see the first play of today's game where she got away with a moving screen), so you have to hope that she gets into foul trouble or something else to get her off the court. Atlanta has two big All-Star bigs, so we'll see how NYL looks against teams with matching size AND talent.

 

[Iluvacc2]

Another puzzle has been Ezi Macbegor. Is she coming back from an injury maybe? Skylar and Nneka have been really good this season so far to help carry the load.

Interestingly, Diggins tied the Storm single game assist record with 14. I’m a little surprised Bird never had more than 14 in a game, so I did some digging. She had 16 in a playoff game against the Aces in 2020.

 

[JellyBean]

New York played Indiana well. They made it tough for Caitlin today. Nice to see Aliyah Boston having a solid game. A double/double. That was nice and her and Caitlin and that 2-Man game would make John Stockton and Karl Malone proud. Not Clark's best game but she will bounce back.

When Natasha Cloud is knocking down shots, whatever team she is on, is just that much more lethal. She brings that extra to a team. She did a great job on Clark today. Good tough defense. Sure. It was physical but it is no different than the kind of defense Sophie Cunningham plays. Great game by both teams. Fun to watch on a Saturday.

 

[JellyBean]

Arike only took 10 shots? I gotta watch that game.

 

[WBBTakeover]

I know it's only been four games, but is it time to have discussions about Coach Man Bun?

 

[BRS24]

The Caitlin Clark turnover issues are just--puzzling. She's a stellar passer, but some of the passes she attempts are just head scratchers. I think the Fever would either benefit from having a better/more reliable back-up PG or, as I've said before, letting some of the offense (especially in the halfcourt) run through Aliyah Boston.

In the past, I've read that Clark's issues (and frustration) comes from her expectations of a teammate knowing what to do, what she wants them to do, so perhaps her anticipation on plays is not shared?

 

[cancontent]

In the past, I've read that Clark's issues (and frustration) comes from her expectations of a teammate knowing what to do, what she wants them to do, so perhaps her anticipation on plays is not shared?

Interesting and could make sense in some cases. On the other hand, it could be that NY anticipated and/or forced these turnovers based on their scout of Clark. Can see it being a combination of the two.

 

[WBBTakeover]

In the past, I've read that Clark's issues (and frustration) comes from her expectations of a teammate knowing what to do, what she wants them to do, so perhaps her anticipation on plays is not shared?

I can see that being the case for her college teammates (who were, as a collective, more physically limited than she was), but her pro teammates are taller, quicker, and more athletic. Yet--we still see a turnover rate of 25%. It's possible that her TOV% could still be high if she was throwing the ball to A'ja, Phee, and Jonquel/Stewie. This is likely a part of her game that's going to persist until she addresses it.

It can be frustrating for a PG to see something in a way that her teammates don't see, but at some point--you make the conscious effort to adjust so that you can preserve the possession. I think we have enough of a sample size to know that it's not all Caitlin's teammates' faults. She can and should be held accountable for this. Some of those turnovers from yesterday's game were just baffling.

 

[BRS24]

I can see that being the case for her college teammates (who were, as a collective, more physically limited than she was), but her pro teammates are taller, quicker, and more athletic. Yet--we still see a turnover rate of 25%. It's possible that her TOV% could still be high if she was throwing the ball to A'ja, Phee, and Jonquel/Stewie. This is likely a part of her game that's going to persist until she addresses it.

It can be frustrating for a PG to see something in a way that her teammates don't see, but at some point--you make the conscious effort to adjust so that you can preserve the possession. I think we have enough of a sample size to know that it's not all Caitlin's teammates' faults. She can and should be held accountable for this. Some of those turnovers from yesterday's game were just baffling.

Thanks for this insight. I didn't watch the game, just glanced at the box score. Hopefully she'll make some corrections.

 

[baggerbob]

I can see that being the case for her college teammates (who were, as a collective, more physically limited than she was), but her pro teammates are taller, quicker, and more athletic. Yet--we still see a turnover rate of 25%. It's possible that her TOV% could still be high if she was throwing the ball to A'ja, Phee, and Jonquel/Stewie. This is likely a part of her game that's going to persist until she addresses it.

It can be frustrating for a PG to see something in a way that her teammates don't see, but at some point--you make the conscious effort to adjust so that you can preserve the possession. I think we have enough of a sample size to know that it's not all Caitlin's teammates' faults. She can and should be held accountable for this. Some of those turnovers from yesterday's game were just baffling.

Clark is not simply a point guard. A point guard looks first to set up her team for a good shot.
Clark is looking to do both set up her team, and also to shoot if open.
She will get better at both the more she plays with her team.

 

[diggerfoot]

I would agree that the Fever got screwed on a couple of calls late, so that was unfortunate. Of course, I also have to point out that Stephanie White just cannot beat the New York Liberty. She's only won what--TWO games against the NYL TOTAL since returning to WNBA coaching in 2023?

The Caitlin Clark turnover issues are just--puzzling. She's a stellar passer, but some of the passes she attempts are just head scratchers. I think the Fever would either benefit from having a better/more reliable back-up PG or, as I've said before, letting some of the offense (especially in the halfcourt) run through Aliyah Boston.

As for the Liberty, it's going to be tough to beat them if you can't stop/slow down Jonquel Jones. They're the best team in the league BY FAR when they realize how important it is to play through her. There aren't many teams in the league who can play straight up against her because she's too big (and gets away with a ton of extra contact--see the first play of today's game where she got away with a moving screen), so you have to hope that she gets into foul trouble or something else to get her off the court. Atlanta has two big All-Star bigs, so we'll see how NYL looks against teams with matching size AND talent.

At the beginning of last season I thought Clark would have been best used as an off guard. As the season went on I thought she could have been used as either, but she faces a problem of the tail wagging the dog. She is in demand by fans to do everything and the coach went along with that.

Clark has never been the best decision maker, something she has admitted. She is near the top for turnovers all time in college and set the season record for turnovers for the pros just two thirds into the season. If a coach/system could simplify the role expected from her the decision making would improve, particularly if her role is to be PG. For her to become an MVP someday this needs to happen. I am hopeful that White’s longevity in the sport might allow her to simplify Clark’s role on the team, despite what fans may want.

 

[cancontent]

At the beginning of last season I thought Clark would have been best used as an off guard. As the season went on I thought she could have been used as either, but she faces a problem of the tail wagging the dog. She is in demand by fans to do everything and the coach went along with that.

Clark has never been the best decision maker, something she has admitted. She is near the top for turnovers all time in college and set the season record for turnovers for the pros just two thirds into the season. If a coach/system could simplify the role expected from her the decision making would improve, particularly if her role is to be PG. For her to become an MVP someday this needs to happen. I am hopeful that White’s longevity in the sport might allow her to simplify Clark’s role on the team, despite what fans may want.

I recall an announcer stated one of Coach White's goals is to help Clark understand how to utilize her team more this year. If I have it correct, Coach White stated this is the most talented roster Clark's had to play with and not having to do it all would be an adjustment.

 

[TheFarmFan]

I recall an announcer stated one of Coach White's goals is to help Clark understand how to utilize her team more this year. If I have it correct, Coach White stated this is the most talented roster Clark's had to play with and not having to do it all would be an adjustment.

I mean, hard to argue with that, given that she's one of two of their rotating starters not to have won either a national championship (Boston, Hull) or a W title (Bonner, Howard), and the other, Mitchell, is a multi-time WNBA All-Star. Love me some Hannah Stuelke and Kate Martin, but Clark has an order-of-magnitude more talented team than she's ever had before.

 

[rubymae4]

I know it's only been four games, but is it time to have discussions about Coach Man Bun?

I can’t stop seeing Matthew McConaughey whenever I see him (Coach Koclanes).

Koclanes seems like a nice and earnest guy…hopefully he’ll get the Wings playing team basketball sooner rather than later. So far, I haven’t been impressed. But, it’s a challenge with players who think “me shoot first” rather than “find the great shot.” Not sure that’s easy to turn around. It may take a lot of personnel moves in the off-season.

 

[cancontent]

I mean, hard to argue with that, given that she's one of two of their rotating starters not to have won either a national championship (Boston, Hull) or a W title (Bonner, Howard), and the other, Mitchell, is a multi-time WNBA All-Star. Love me some Hannah Stuelke and Kate Martin, but Clark has an order-of-magnitude more talented team than she's ever had before.

Exactly, which makes this season just as challenging for her with respect to adjustments like last season in my opinion. We've seen stacked teams fail because they couldn't figure out how to make it work. Clark is more than capable in doing so, but it won't happen automatically especially with a short training camp and pre-season.

 

[cancontent]

I can’t stop seeing Matthew McConaughey whenever I see him (Coach Koclanes).


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Koclanes seems like a nice and earnest guy…hopefully he’ll get the Wings playing team basketball sooner rather than later. So far, I haven’t been impressed. But, it’s a challenge with players who think “me shoot first” rather than “find the great shot.” Not sure that’s easy to turn around. It may take a lot of personnel moves in the off-season.

Why is McConaughey catching strays like this? Almost choked on my coffee laughing so hard.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Clark is not simply a point guard. A point guard looks first to set up her team for a good shot.
Clark is looking to do both set up her team, and also to shoot if open.
She will get better at both the more she plays with her team.

I think Caitlin's a scoring PG--and a really good one at that.

She just needs to clean up a few areas before she's given the keys to run world-renown offenses. You can't be Team USA's starting PG averaging 5 turnovers a game, and it's unlikely that the Fever will make the WNBA Finals until she increases her FG% and lowers the TOs.

She doesn't have to be anything remotely close to perfect, but she does have to be better. She'll tell us that herself.