Coach Stephanie White Highlights Rookie Mistake by Caitlin Clark During Fever’s Close Loss to Liberty

🕒 May 27, 2025 | 📍Brooklyn, NY

In the wake of the Indiana Fever’s narrow and controversial loss to the New York Liberty, head coach Stephanie White addressed multiple topics during her postgame press conference — including officiating concerns and a critical late-game sequence involving rookie guard Caitlin Clark.

While most of the spotlight has centered around the no-call steal by Betnijah Laney-Hamilton in the final seconds, which sealed the game for New York, Coach White also took a moment to acknowledge a mistake made by Clark that contributed to the Fever’s downfall.

“We’ve got to be stronger with the basketball in those moments,” White said when asked about the turnover. “Caitlin knows that. She’s learning how fast and physical this league is, especially when the game is on the line.”

The play in question occurred with under 7 seconds left in the fourth quarter. With Indiana down just one point and in possession, Clark received the inbounds pass but was stripped by Laney-Hamilton in a highly debated defensive play. The Liberty recovered the ball and ultimately held on for a 91–90 victory.

Though White expressed deep frustration with the officiating, calling the missed foul “egregious” and “unacceptable,” she also made it clear that part of growing as a professional involves learning to adjust under pressure.

“It’s not on one person,” White added. “We win and lose as a team. But we also have to understand the level of composure and control it takes to close games. Caitlin’s going to be fine — she’s coachable, she’s tough, and she’ll grow from this.”

This moment marks yet another chapter in Caitlin Clark’s high-profile transition to the WNBA. Despite her stellar college résumé and immense fan following, Clark is still adapting to the speed, physicality, and defensive complexity of the professional game. She finished the night with 22 points, 6 assists, and 5 turnovers.

🏀 Rookie Season Under the Microscope

Clark has been under intense media and fan scrutiny since being drafted No. 1 overall. Every move she makes — good or bad — seems to spark national conversation. Her maturity in postgame interviews has been praised, and after the Liberty game, she took full responsibility for the turnover.

“I’ve got to be stronger with the ball,” Clark said. “That’s on me.”

🔗 Related Stories

Stephanie White Blasts Officials for Missed Call in Fever-Liberty Thriller
Caitlin Clark’s Learning Curve: What the Stats Say About Her Rookie Progress
Why the WNBA’s Growing Pains Are Also Its Growing Strength

📢 Final Thought

While it’s easy to pin late-game failures on singular moments, White’s comments reflect a more nuanced understanding: rookie mistakes happen, and so do missed calls. The bigger story is how Clark — and the Fever — respond next time.