For over a year, Caitlin Clark, one of the brightest young stars in the WNBA, has faced a barrage of criticism, most notably from WNBA legend Cheryl Swoops. Swoops, a three-time Player of the Year and former coach of Clark, launched a series of bizarre claims about the rookie’s game. From accusing her of being a 25-year-old playing against teenagers to questioning the legitimacy of her records, Swoops’ attacks seemed endless. However, as the dust settled, another basketball legend, Cheryl Miller, stepped into the ring to defend Clark, delivering one of the most scathing rebuttals we’ve seen in women’s basketball.

Miller’s fierce defense of Caitlin Clark was a pivotal moment in the basketball world. With her extensive experience and credibility, Miller shut down Swoops’ criticisms with precision, shedding light on the false narratives surrounding Clark’s rise in the sport. As a coach, Miller had the unique opportunity to work closely with Clark, particularly during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, where she witnessed Clark’s skills firsthand. Miller’s insights not only highlight Clark’s incredible work ethic but also reveal the unspoken pressures faced by athletes at the top of their game.

The Battle of Criticism: Swoops’ False Claims

The tension between Swoops and Clark began during Clark’s college career. Swoops made some inflammatory claims about Clark’s age, stating that she was a 25-year-old playing against 20-year-olds. This claim was quickly debunked as false—Clark was actually 22 years old during her final season at Iowa. Despite being called out for the error, Swoops tried to backpedal by citing COVID eligibility rules as an explanation, but this excuse failed to hold up under scrutiny.

Swoops continued her critique, alleging that Clark was a selfish player who took too many shots per game. She suggested that Clark averaged 40 shots per game, a statement that was not only exaggerated but also inaccurate. In reality, Clark averaged 22.7 shots per game, a number only slightly higher than Swoops’ own 19.2 shots per game during her senior year. Despite the glaring discrepancy, Swoops pressed on, making baseless claims about Clark’s style of play and undermining her accomplishments.

As Clark moved on to the WNBA, Swoops intensified her attacks. She predicted that Clark would not be able to dominate in the league, but as Clark began breaking rookie records and showcasing her exceptional playmaking ability, the critics grew silent. In her debut season, Clark averaged 19.2 points and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors. Despite this, Swoops remained quiet, failing to acknowledge the young star’s achievements.

The Turning Point: Cheryl Miller Defends Clark

Enter Cheryl Miller. A basketball icon with unparalleled credentials—three-time Player of the Year, two-time national champion, and the first woman to dunk in an organized game—Miller was not afraid to speak her mind. She appeared on the “All the Smoke” podcast, where she immediately dismantled the false narratives surrounding Clark. With two simple words—“Come on, you big dummies”—Miller called out Swoops and others who had been questioning Clark’s talent and work ethic.

Miller didn’t just offer passive support; she passionately defended Clark’s approach to the game. She pointed out that while Clark might have been given more opportunities, she earned every bit of her success through relentless hard work. Miller’s defense was not only a lesson in basketball but also a reminder of how easy it is for critics to undermine a player’s achievements without truly understanding the effort behind them.

The Reality of Clark’s Impact

Miller’s remarks carried significant weight because she wasn’t just speaking from the sidelines. As someone who has coached Clark, she had a rare opportunity to see the young star up close. What Miller observed during the All-Star Game, however, surprised even her. She praised Clark for her impressive basketball IQ and her ability to read the game in a “3D” manner. Clark’s defensive skills, which had been dismissed by some, also stood out to Miller, who acknowledged that Clark’s game was far more complete than the critics had given her credit for.

Miller went beyond mere technical analysis; she also emphasized the importance of allowing players to be themselves. In a sport where players are often pressured to conform to certain expectations, Miller’s insistence on letting Clark be authentic speaks volumes about her understanding of the game and its mental toll on young athletes.

Cheryl Miller’s Unconditional Support

Miller’s support for Clark didn’t stop at her performance on the court. After the Indiana Fever secured their first victory of the 2024 season, Miller shared a heartfelt moment with Clark. She embraced the rookie and offered words of encouragement, reminding her to stay true to herself despite the criticism. It was a moment that not only reflected Miller’s deep respect for Clark but also showcased the emotional bond that had developed between the two.

This moment also highlighted the isolation Clark had faced in the midst of the relentless scrutiny. Despite her success, Clark had been the target of unfair attacks from various quarters, and Miller’s unwavering support provided the young star with the reassurance she needed to continue thriving.

The Larger Narrative: The Elevation of Women’s Basketball

Miller’s defense of Clark is about more than just the rivalry between two basketball legends. It is a reflection of the larger narrative surrounding women’s sports. Clark’s rise has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA and collegiate women’s basketball, elevating the entire league, including the paychecks of those criticizing her. Miller’s pointed remarks about the hypocrisy of the critics—who benefit from the heightened visibility Clark has brought to the sport—shed light on a crucial truth: Clark’s presence has been nothing short of transformative.

While the media and some former players have sought to tear her down, Clark’s impact continues to grow. Her ability to dominate both on the court and in the media has not only solidified her place as one of the most exciting young players in the league but also as a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: The Future of Women’s Basketball

The saga of Cheryl Swoops and Caitlin Clark is a microcosm of the challenges faced by women athletes striving to make their mark in a world that often fails to fully appreciate their talent and dedication. As more legends like Cheryl Miller step forward to defend the next generation of players, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever.

Caitlin Clark’s journey is far from over, and as she continues to break records and silence her critics, her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right. Through the support of champions like Miller, Clark is not just securing her place in basketball history; she is also paving the way for future stars to shine.