Aces’ A’ja Wilson talks about ‘energy shift’ in WNBA after conversation with Caitlin Clark became ‘too gossipy’
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Caitlin Clarkattracted fans to their seats again on Tuesday evening.
Despite her Indiana fever She lost her fourth of five games, scoring just 13 points (but dishing out 11 assists). Over 20,000 people packed the T-Mobile Center in Las Vegas to watch her play the reigning WNBA champions.
It was the largest crowd the Aces have ever seen in franchise history, and with 20,366 spectators, it was also the largest crowd the arena has ever had.
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Caitlin Clark, №22 of the Indiana Fever, is guarded by A’ja Wilson, №22 of the Las Vegas Aces, during the first quarter of their game at T-Mobile Arena on July 2, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Clark’s fame, however, has also been the subject of heated debate. One headline came in May when Aces star and multiple WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson said Clark’s white skin was a “huge factor” in her popularity.
However, Clark says the “energy” in the WNBA has shifted from gossip and headlines to appreciation of the game.
“It’s a good vibe, it’s a good feeling. People are just coming to see the product on the floor. It was a little bit too talky at the beginning, but then it fizzled out because people are starting to realize that we’re really good at what we do, that we’re elite at what we do. I love the energy now,” Wilson said on Tuesday’s ESPN broadcast after scoring 28 points and nine rebounds.
The two hugged and smiled after the Aces’ 88–69 victory.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (left) and Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (center) battle for a loose ball during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)
“People watch good basketball games, and that’s what it’s all about. We come here, we work hard, we play basketball at a very high level, and people believe in it, they trust in it and they invest in the game. And we’re feeling that energy right now,” Wilson continued.
Wilson’s comments on racism are just the tip of the iceberg, as there have already been numerous direct and indirect insults against Clark.
Whether it’s her tougher (and arguably dirtier) opponents, her tough performances on the court that are celebrated, or her posts on social media, Clark has become a polarizing figure not only because of her skills.
Caitlin Clark, №22, of the Indiana Fever smiles during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 30, 2024 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Last week, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert denied the idea that she was targeted, saying it was because of the attention she was expecting and that she was treated the same as everyone else on the dance floor.
The rookie phenom received the most votes in this month’s All-Star Game and was the only player to receive over 700,000 votes — beating Wilson by nearly 90,000 votes.
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