Stephanie White was full of praise for Caitlin Clark before the rematch with Portland. Then came Fever's 100-84 defeat to Portland Fire. Afterwards, even Cheryl Miller appeared to criticize Clark's reactions during the game.

“Right now, it’s frustration. And unfortunately, it’s boiling over,” Miller said. “It’s one thing to have it behind closed doors, but it’s another thing when it spills over.”

More recently, though, Miller struck a more understanding tone.

"Sometimes I have to remember that she is young. The amount of pressure that is on this young lady, and she's coming back from her injuries and living up to what everybody expects her to be and do and whatnot, can be a little bit overwhelming. So I'm going to give her some grace," Miller said in a WNBA Showtime clip.

Miller also admitted she could relate to Clark's situation.

"She's right about one thing. I know I've been in situations like that before. It's never played out publicly like this was. But I can understand where she's coming from a little bit."

Caitlin Clark's frustration was understandable as well. The 24-year-old spent much of the game in foul trouble while dealing with Portland's aggressive defense. She finished with just 6 points and 6 assists, shooting 1-for-7 from the field and 0-for-2 from three-point range.

At the same time, emotional exchanges with coaches are nothing new for elite competitors.

Clark's high basketball IQ is one reason she is already considered one of the league's top point guards. Similar moments were common during her Iowa days with Lisa Bluder.

For Clark, those interactions are less about conflict and more about passion for the game, something Stephanie White understands well.

Why Caitlin Clark Isn't Worried About the Viral Sideline Clip

The moment that sparked all the discussion happened during a second-quarter timeout against Portland. With the Fever trailing, cameras caught White addressing her team during the huddle.

As she spoke, White became animated while talking to CC. She pointed toward the Fever guard and then substituted her for Raven Johnson moments later.

"She wants to be coached. I want her to help me be a better coach," Stephanie White said after the match. "We're both competitive. We're both stubborn. We're more alike than different. Hopefully, we continue to bring the best out of each other."

Clark quickly shut down any talk of tension between her and Stephanie White.

“Nobody in our locker room, or Steph, or our coaching staff thinks twice about it. It’s just another example of what everybody and all of you want to blow up, and make something that is just lost and not in reality."

In reality, CC has long been supportive of Stephanie White. Even before White became the Fever's head coach, Clark had spoken highly of her and the impact she could have on the team.

“I think the thing about Steph is everybody in this league and in basketball really respects her and respects what she does. She knows the game so well, and I think also as somebody who is a point guard, getting to learn from her is really cool,” Clark said, according to Sports Illustrated.

Do you think Caitlin Clark's sideline exchange was blown out of proportion? Tell us your take in the comments.

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore