Following her recent emotional outburst and talks regarding body language, a string of analysts have provided some harsh opinions on Caitlin Clark, but James Boyd of The Athletic seems to go in a different direction surrounding this commotion.

Boyd believes Clark displaying emotions is because of her hunger to win more. He took an example out of the Indiana Fever's win against the Golden State Valkyries, where Clark had a heated moment with Tiffany Hayes.

Boyd shared his conversation with head coach Stephanie White after the game. She mentioned that Clark’s emotions, whether they’re towards players or officials, were because of her “insatiable thirst to win," and she would not take that away from her.

"With Caitlin, she is not always a nice teammate, or a nice person to referee, or a nice person to coach because of her edge. But the edge is what makes her special." Boyd said on WNBA Today on CLNS.

Stephanie White's words come after being on the receiving end of Clark's emotions during the game against the Fire.

During a timeout, Clark and White were seen having a huge disagreement surrounding defending. The moment boiled over so much so that Clark stood out of her seat and walked away from White.

But Clark later clarified that she and the coach were in a competitive space, and such moments do not go off the court.

While the outside world believes that Clark's emotions are getting the best of her in recent weeks, those close to her know that the competitiveness is what makes her different.

Apart from Stephanie White, even Clark's direct rival, Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers, also defended her amidst the scrutiny and media attention.

Paige Bueckers Stands By Caitlin Clark

With both the media and fans speculating on Clark's current relationship with White, Paige Bueckers was also asked about her opinion on everything happening around the Fever star.

“I would just say she handles it with grace. And the pressure she’s put on every single night to perform at the level that she does. It’s inhumane, really." Bueckers said.

"Like to expect people to be perfect and not have off games of off nights. If she doesn’t go for like 8 for 10 from three, people are questioning things.” She added.

With Clark's literal rival backing her up in this saga, it would not be wrong to say that fans and the media are blowing the moment between Clark and White out of proportion.

Nevertheless, Clark will now focus on defending the Commissioner's Cup title for the Fever, the same crown she could not play for last year due to an injury.

The Indiana Fever face the New York Liberty on Saturday night.

So, what is your opinion regarding the incident between Caitlin Clark and Stephanie White? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy