Former WNBA player Val Whiting calls out Caitlin Clark’s ‘Selfish’ shot late-game shot selection during their 78-74 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Friday. The critical moment came with just 1:18 left in the game and Indiana trailing by two. Clark attempted a 30-foot shot from well beyond the arc, but missed, giving the Aces a crucial rebound and keeping the Fever from scoring during a pivotal possession.
Val Whiting Calls Out Caitlin Clark’s ‘Selfish’ Shot
A viral video of the shot made its rounds on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with fans and analysts chiming in on whether the shot was a wise decision. One fan’s scathing remark set the tone for much of the debate: “What a horrible shot! Tried to get your individual moment against A’ja Wilson & you cost your team the game! It’s a reason she has 0 championships at all levels! She plays for herself.”
What a Horrible shot! Tried to get your individual moment against Aja Wilson & you cost your team the game! It’s a reason she has 0 championships at all levels! She plays for herself. pic.twitter.com/bJ0wewqx6w
— Ace (@AceXGoAted22) September 14, 2024
Whiting, a two-time NCAA champion and well-respected figure in women’s basketball, weighed in, agreeing that Clark’s shot was ill-advised. “It was a bad shot. There was 15 seconds left on the shot clock, and there was a mismatch in the paint,” Val Whiting commented, pointing out that Clark may have missed a key opportunity to play to her team’s advantage in a crucial moment.
This isn’t the first time Clark has come under fire for her bold decision-making. Known for her aggressive 3-point shooting, Clark’s fearless approach has drawn both praise and criticism. Whiting, while pointing out the mistake, also noted the similarities between Clark and NBA superstar Steph Curry, calling attention to the fact that some players, like Curry, thrive on taking risks that others wouldn’t dare. “I think she saw that she had a post player on her and was trying to take advantage of the mismatch. The timing was just bad. But it’s just like Steph Curry—a bad shot for others is a good shot for Steph,” Val Whiting explained, suggesting that Clark’s confidence might be both her strength and her Achilles’ heel.
I think she say that she had a post player on her and was trying to take advantage of the mismatch. The timing was just bad. But it’s just like Steph curry. A bad shot for others is a good shot for Steph.
— Val Whiting (@iamcoachval) September 15, 2024
Caitlin Clark has made a name for herself as one of the WNBA’s premier shooters, regularly pulling up from distances that many players would consider impossible. Her average shooting distance this season stands at an astonishing 28.09 feet, well beyond both the WNBA’s 22.15-foot 3-point line and even the NBA’s 23.75-foot arc. By comparison, Steph Curry—the NBA’s greatest 3-point shooter—has only averaged a longest shooting distance of 27.58 feet during his career-best season.
However, Clark’s deep-range shooting isn’t without consequences. While she leads the WNBA with 114 3-pointers made this season, she is shooting a relatively modest 33.7% from beyond the arc. Clark’s willingness to attempt low-percentage shots has drawn attention and criticism, particularly in tight games where more traditional offensive sets might offer better scoring opportunities. Her audacity on the court, while thrilling for fans, can also backfire in critical moments, as it did against the Aces.
Veteran sports analyst Jason Whitlock also joined the chorus of critics following the Fever’s loss, particularly targeting Clark’s decision-making late in the game. Whitlock, known for his candid and often controversial takes, didn’t mince words as he took to X to voice his frustrations: “Game tied 60-60 with 9 minutes left.. Clark takes 27-foot logo three. Fever down 72-70 with 1:17 to play.. Clark takes 31-foot logo three. Both shots early in the shot clock. Both shots miss. The logo three is not Caitlin Clark’s friend. Clark plays a fun game, not a smart one,” Whitlock tweeted after the game, drawing attention to Clark’s tendency to shoot from extreme distances even in high-pressure situations.
Whitlock’s critique raises a larger question about Clark’s role as a rookie in the WNBA. Is her style of play, reminiscent of the modern NBA’s fascination with long-range shooting, sustainable in the long run? Can Clark strike a balance between the flashy, high-risk shots that have made her famous and the smarter, more calculated plays that win championships?
While it’s easy to jump on the bandwagon of criticizing Clark’s decision-making, it’s worth considering the context of her playstyle. Clark’s audacity is precisely what makes her one of the most exciting players to watch. She’s a player who thrives on pressure and isn’t afraid to take risks, much like Curry or other elite shooters who live and die by the 3-point line. As a rookie, mistakes are expected, and learning when to take those high-risk shots versus playing it safe is part of her development.
Caitlin Clark has an average 3PT shot distance of 28.09 feet so far in her rookie season.
NBA 3PT: 23.75 ft | WNBA 3PT: 22.15 ft pic.twitter.com/zC5zdc0VmN
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) August 23, 2024
However, as Val Whiting and Whitlock pointed out, basketball isn’t just about individual moments—it’s a team game. While Clark’s confidence and range are impressive, her challenge will be understanding when those long shots are appropriate and when it’s better to pass up the highlight-reel play for a smarter, more team-oriented approach.
As Caitlin Clark continues her rookie season, the scrutiny around her shot selection is likely to persist, especially in tight games where her decisions can swing the outcome. Despite the criticism, Clark remains one of the most talented and promising players in the WNBA. Her ability to make adjustments, learn from mistakes, and refine her shot selection will be key as she looks to elevate her game to the next level.
While some will focus on the missed shots, others, like Whiting, acknowledge that Clark has the potential to become one of the greats—if she can strike the right balance between audacity and strategy. As with any rookie, time will tell whether she can evolve into the superstar many believe she can be.
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