Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams praised Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA All-Star voting after initial results were announced on Friday. Williams highlighted Clark’s influence during a Twitch livestream on Saturday, emphasizing how deeply Clark’s popularity has affected the fan voting process.
The first returns showed Caitlin Clark leading the WNBA All-Star fan voting with 515,993 votes. Aliyah Boston, another Indiana Fever star, followed in third place with 446,961 votes, while the entire Fever starting lineup ranked impressively high, including bench players who made the top 40. Williams confessed to her surprise at these results.
“No cap. That’s crazy but that really shows you the influence Caitlin Clark got,” Williams said. “Her influence is insane bro… you got folks coming off of their bench that is in the top 40. Her influence is crazy, you can’t even hate.”
—Courtney Williams, Minnesota Lynx guard
Despite not being in the current top 30 of the fan voting herself, Williams has been a key contributor to the Lynx this season. Over 12 games as a starter, she averages 13 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, demonstrating her steady presence on the court.
Reactions to Physical Tensions in Fever vs Sun Game Featuring Caitlin Clark
The recent game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday was marked by intense physical play, resulting in two flagrant fouls, six technical fouls, and three ejections. The Fever secured an 88-71 victory in a contest that tested the players’ limits.
A pivotal moment occurred when Caitlin Clark became involved in an altercation with Sun guard Marina Mabrey. After Jacy Sheldon poked Clark in the eye, Mabrey shoved Clark to the floor, escalating the on-court tension.
Following the game, Natisha Hiedeman and Courtney Williams shared their responses on Twitch, underscoring their support for Clark and the competitive nature of the matchup.
“Courtney, if somebody ever tackles you like that… you better crash out behind me, because I’m crashing out behind you,” Hiedeman said.
—Natisha Hiedeman, Indiana Fever guard
Williams added that no one would tackle her in a similar way without immediate retaliation, confident that her teammates would stand behind her during such moments.
The Broader Impact of Caitlin Clark’s Presence on the WNBA Season
Caitlin Clark’s remarkable influence extends beyond her statistical performance, shaping fan engagement and player dynamics within the league. Leading the All-Star voting by a wide margin, she has stirred both admiration and competitive tension among peers.
Her prominence has not only boosted the visibility of the Indiana Fever but also highlighted the intensity of competition in the WNBA. Incidents like the altercation with Marina Mabrey demonstrate the heightened emotions surrounding games featuring Clark, reflecting how her presence intensifies matchups.
As the season unfolds, Clark’s growing fan support and on-court performance will likely continue to affect voting trends and competitive rivalries, making her a central figure to watch in both the All-Star selections and the league’s overall narrative.