In a press conference that quickly sent shockwaves through the WNBA community, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve made headlines—and went viral—after speaking candidly about Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

The veteran coach, known for her no-nonsense approach and basketball intelligence, didn’t hold back when asked about the media frenzy surrounding Clark, the Fever’s No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

“Caitlin Clark is an incredibly talented player, but what people need to understand is that she’s just getting started,” Reeve said. “This league is tough. You don’t come in and dominate from day one unless your entire team is ready to support that kind of play. The Fever have a young roster. They’re building something, but it takes time.”

The clip of Reeve’s remarks spread rapidly across social media platforms, with many praising her honesty and experience-driven perspective. Some fans, however, interpreted her comments as dismissive or overly critical of Clark’s current performance.

Reeve was quick to clarify: “This isn’t a knock on Caitlin. I think she’s handling all this pressure with tremendous grace. But people need to stop treating her like she’s supposed to carry an entire franchise by herself.”

Caitlin Clark, who has quickly become the face of the WNBA for many new fans, has faced an unprecedented level of attention both on and off the court. With sold-out arenas, massive TV ratings, and a surge in social media engagement, her impact is undeniable. However, the increased spotlight has also led to intense scrutiny.

Reeve believes that narrative can be dangerous—not just for Clark, but for the league overall.

“We’ve got a lot of stars in this league. A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier… and yes, Caitlin Clark,” Reeve continued. “But the WNBA’s success doesn’t rest on one rookie’s shoulders. That’s an unfair burden to place on anyone, no matter how talented.”

The Lynx coach also took a moment to praise Indiana’s direction under head coach Christie Sides.

“They’re building the right way. There’s chemistry developing, you can see it. Aliyah Boston is a fantastic player. NaLyssa Smith is growing. They’ve got a future. Clark just adds another dynamic layer to that.”

Social media exploded with reactions, with hashtags like #CherylReeve and #CaitlinClark trending within hours. Some users praised Reeve for “keeping it real,” while others felt she was throwing cold water on a young star’s rise.

Still, many analysts agreed that Reeve’s comments reflect the perspective of someone who’s seen generations of players enter the league with high expectations.

“She’s protecting the integrity of the WNBA,” said former player and analyst Swin Cash. “It’s not about tearing Caitlin down—it’s about setting realistic expectations and lifting up the league as a whole.”

Clark herself has not directly responded to Reeve’s comments, but has previously acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to the professional level.

“I’m learning every game,” Clark said after a recent Fever win. “I’m lucky to have great teammates, and I’m not doing this alone.”

Cheryl Reeve’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the long game required for true success in the WNBA. While fans and media may be eager to crown the next great superstar, veterans of the league understand that greatness is built season by season, not overnight.

As the Fever continue to grow and Clark finds her rhythm in the pro game, the eyes of the basketball world will remain locked in. But if Reeve’s words are any indication, the real story of Caitlin Clark—and the Indiana Fever—is still being written.