Caitlin Clark‘s 2024-25 WNBA season has been a turbulent journey filled with both moments of brilliance and frustrating setbacks.
The Indiana Fever superstar, known for her incredible scoring ability and leadership on the court, has been hampered by a series of injuries that have disrupted her momentum throughout the season.
Most recently, Clark suffered a groin injury that forced her to miss critical games, including the Commissioner’s Cup Final against the Minnesota Lynx.
The controversy over Clark’s replacement in the 3-point contest
In an official announcement, the WNBA confirmed that Caitlin Clark would not participate in the 2025 All-Star Game or the accompanying 3-point shooting contest as she continues her recovery.
To fill her spot in the 3-point contest, the league selected her Indiana Fever teammate Lexie Hull as Clark‘s replacement.
While on paper Hull‘s selection makes some sense-she currently boasts a 46.8% three-point shooting percentage, ranking fourth in the league and leading her team in accuracy-fans quickly voiced strong objections.
The main sticking point for critics is the relatively low volume of Hull‘s attempts from beyond the arc, averaging just 2.7 shots per game compared to Clark‘s typical eight attempts when healthy.
Many fans argue that Hull‘s shooting percentage, while impressive, doesn’t tell the full story of her impact as a shooter.
Social media erupted with reactions ranging from confusion to outright frustration. Comments like “Is this a joke?” and “No one asked for this” highlighted the disappointment among some Fever supporters and WNBA fans at large.
Many believed there were other more deserving candidates who should have been considered as replacements.
Further complicating the debate, fans mistakenly pushed for Kennedy Burke to be the replacement, citing her as the second-best three-point shooter in the league by percentage.
However, current season leaders in three-pointers made include Rhyne Howard and Kelsey Plum, who have far more attempts and makes this season.
The statistics suggest the decision to pick Hull was not based solely on volume or ranking by total shots made but rather on other factors such as shooting efficiency and perhaps her chemistry with the team.
Despite the backlash, some supporters defended the league’s choice. One fan wrote, “Great choice! Third in 3-point percentage. Perfect replacement for her teammate… at home.”
The fact that the contest will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis-Clark and Hull‘s home arena-also likely influenced the decision, offering a hometown advantage and fan engagement.
What’s next for Clark and the Fever?
Caitlin Clark‘s injury woes have tested her resilience and the Fever‘s patience this season. She has suffered multiple non-contact injuries-five missed games for a left quad injury, another five due to groin problems on the same leg, and now a new strain on the right side. These setbacks have taken a toll, sidelining her for nearly a third of the season.
As the Fever prepare to move forward without Clark in the All-Star festivities, the focus shifts to her full recovery and return to form.
Fans and teammates alike hope she can overcome these physical hurdles and regain the dominant presence that made her one of the league’s brightest stars.
Meanwhile, Lexie Hull has a prime opportunity to showcase her shooting skills on a big stage, potentially silencing critics with a strong performance.
The 3-point contest will test her mettle and give fans a glimpse of the depth Indiana Fever have beyond their star player.
With the WNBA’s All-Star Weekend quickly approaching, all eyes will be on Hull as she steps into the spotlight, and on Clark as she works toward a healthy comeback.
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