Natasha Cloud led the New York Liberty to a narrow 90-88 victory against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Saturday afternoon, extending New York’s unbeaten run to start the 2025 WNBA season. Cloud contributed 16 points on efficient 6-of-9 shooting, along with seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Meanwhile, Clark posted a near triple-double with 18 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists, though she also had 10 turnovers.
Final Seconds Spark Controversy Over Game-Ending Play
The match ended on a disputed play with two seconds remaining and Indiana trailing by two points. Caitlin Clark, closely guarded by Cloud, attempted to drive for the basket, but Cloud stripped the ball away, securing the Liberty’s win. Some fans argue that Clark was fouled on that decisive play and should have been awarded two free throws, which could have tied the game and potentially led to overtime.
Impact of Caitlin Clark’s Injury on Indiana Fever
Following the game, Caitlin Clark was diagnosed with an injury expected to sideline her for at least two weeks, dealing a setback to the Indiana Fever’s campaign. This absence leaves the team without one of their key playmakers during a crucial stretch of the season.
Natasha Cloud Earns Eastern Conference Player of the Week Honors
In contrast to the injury news, Natasha Cloud celebrated a personal milestone when the WNBA named her Week 1 Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Wednesday. The award recognized her outstanding performance in games from May 16 to 25, during which she averaged 18.7 points on 55.6% shooting, 7.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks. Cloud’s leadership helped the Liberty maintain a perfect 3-0 record over this period.
Western Conference Player of the Week and Historical Achievements
Alongside Cloud, the Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier was honored as the Western Conference Player of the Week after averaging 29.5 points and 7.3 rebounds. Cloud also made history during her debut with the Liberty by becoming the only player to record 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists in a first game for a new franchise. Additionally, she moved into the top 10 on the WNBA’s all-time assists leaderboard, emphasizing her playmaking excellence.
Looking Ahead: Liberty Prepare for Upcoming Challenge
The New York Liberty are set to face the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, seeking to continue their winning streak with Cloud at the helm. The team’s ability to maintain momentum will be crucial as the season progresses, especially in the absence of key players like Caitlin Clark on rival squads.
Kate Martin Addresses the Difficulty of Clark’s Injury Situation
““It’s a tough break for Caitlin and the team, but we’re focusing on supporting her recovery.”” —Kate Martin, [Role not provided]