Caitlin Clark made a stunning comeback on June 15, 2025, leading the Indiana Fever to a breakthrough win over the defending champion New York Liberty with a nearly triple-double performance. Clark’s dominance was clear as she put up 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, showcasing why fans and commentators alike are captivated by her play.
Just returning from a five-game absence due to a left quad strain, Clark ignited the game early by scoring 14 points in the first quarter, including a flurry of three-point shots that caught the crowd and opponents by surprise. Her 25-point first half was the most she has scored in a WNBA half so far, setting the tone for Indiana’s signature upset.
Clark’s commanding court presence and sharpshooting ability underscored the Indiana Fever’s growing confidence, positioning her as one of the most compelling talents in the league. This comeback has renewed attention on her impact in the WNBA and raised debates about her standing among the sport’s elite players.
Skip Bayless Hails Clark as the Best Player in the League, Drawing Intense Reactions
Former ESPN and Fox Sports commentator Skip Bayless weighed in on Clark’s performance with bold assertions during a nearly four-minute social media segment. Known for his provocative takes, Bayless did not hold back, declaring Clark
“the best player in the league”
and praising her for making plays
“no woman has ever done before.”
Bayless compared Clark’s shooting style to that of NBA superstar Steph Curry, emphasizing her deep three-point shooting and exceptional passing skills.
She is the best player in the league, she is doing things no woman has ever done before. She is shooting threes, she is jump shooting, again, like Steph Curry.
—Skip Bayless, Sports Commentator
She made 3 or 4 passes where I just said, ‘That’s just extraordinary. That’s just too good. I have not seen a female point guard make those kinds of passes consistently.
—Skip Bayless, Sports Commentator
While Clark leads the league with a 38.7% three-point shooting rate and an average of 9.2 assists per game, comparisons to legends like Sue Bird, who averaged 10.1 assists in 2003 and dazzled fans in her prime, prompted some fans to question Bayless’s extreme enthusiasm.
His pronouncement that Clark is currently the greatest women’s basketball player sparked controversy, with many longtime WNBA enthusiasts disputing that such accolades are premature for a player still in her second season.
Fan Backlash Highlights Longstanding Tensions over Bayless’ Bold Claims
Skip Bayless’s reputation as a divisive figure in sports media intensified after his glowing remarks about Clark. Known for fiery opinions and contentious comments on stars including LeBron James and Draymond Green, Bayless often polarizes audiences. His latest take on Clark drew strong reactions from WNBA fans.
Some critics questioned his fairness and consistency, particularly noting Clark’s turnovers during the game, which Bayless overlooked.
If this was LeBron, he’d talk about the 7 turnovers,
—WNBA Fan
Others accused Bayless of placing himself at the center of sports narratives rather than focusing on the athletes or the game.
I didn’t even bother turning the mute off. I just looked at him and said, ‘I don’t want to hear a single word he’s saying. He thinks he’s the star!’
—WNBA Fan
Fans also pushed back against the idea that Clark is without precedent, citing the legacies of established WNBA greats.
WNBA Legends and Current Stars Challenge Clark Comparisons
Critics of Bayless’s claims emphasized the achievements of veteran stars who have defined the WNBA over decades. Players such as Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, Sheryl Swoopes, and Lisa Leslie set enduring standards through consistent elite play, championship success, and leadership. Many fans feel these legends’ accomplishments should not be eclipsed prematurely by a young player still early in her career.
The WNBA also boasts notable current stars who continue to elevate the league’s profile and challenge for the top spot. A’ja Wilson, who led the Las Vegas Aces impressively in 2024 and remains a candidate for the MVP title in 2025, consistently posts powerful statistics across multiple categories. Napheesa Collier is similarly respected for her all-around impact and solidifying form this season, while Kelsey Plum has stepped into a leadership role for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Sabrina Ionescu, once heralded as Clark’s predecessor in shooting and court vision, remains a dominant perimeter threat and high scorer. These players maintain significant influence and showcase the depth of talent present in the league today.
Caitlin Clark’s Rising Status in the WNBA Debated—Potential vs. Proven Greatness
Clark’s impressive statistics—leading the league with 9.2 assists per game and ranking second in scoring with 21.6 points—underscore her growing influence. She was named Rookie of the Year and played a pivotal role in guiding Indiana to its first playoff appearance in nearly a decade, solidifying her as an emerging star.
Yet many argue that achieving sustained greatness requires more than short-term dominance. Longevity, resilience, team leadership, and championship pedigree remain essential benchmarks to be considered among the all-time WNBA greats.
Clark’s distinct shooting range, creative passing, and increasing marketability are already attracting attention both inside and outside the league. Still, experienced fans urge patience, suggesting the legacy conversation should await her continued development and contributions over multiple seasons.
The tension between embracing Clark’s remarkable talent and respecting the league’s historic figures reflects a broader debate about measuring greatness in women’s basketball.
Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead for Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark’s ongoing rise is reshaping perceptions of the WNBA, offering fresh narratives and drawing new audiences to the sport. Her playmaking and scoring ability elevate Indiana Fever’s competitiveness, providing hope for sustained team success.
As the season progresses, Clark’s ability to maintain her top-level performance while refining her leadership and reducing errors will be the key to her long-term standing. Observers will watch closely to see if she can combine her prodigious talents with consistency and team achievements to join the ranks of legends who built the league’s legacy.
Skip Bayless’s declarations have fueled passionate discussion about Clark’s place in women’s basketball history, highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by rising stars in major sports. Whether Clark ultimately claims the title of best WNBA player depends on her evolving body of work and how she handles the pressure of expectation.