WNBA superstars Caitlin Clark (left) and Paige Bueckers (right). Photo credits: Imagn

'It’s Inhumane Really': Caitlin Clark Handling Immense Scrutiny And Pressure Left Paige Bueckers In Awe

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 9:57 AM ET

Caitlin Clark is self-made magnetic—every shot, pass, and tweet is under a microscope. But when fellow rookie Paige Bueckers labeled the spotlight as “inhumane,” she hit the nail right on the head.

“I would just say, she handles it with grace and the pressure that she’s put on every single night to perform at the level that she does, it’s inhumane really, to expect people to be perfect and to not have off games or off nights,” Bueckers said after a recent practice.

That one line says everything: Clark is a baller and a human. Sure, she’s the 2024 Number 1 pick, a franchise figure, and responsible for record crowds—especially at home. But the downside comes when she hits a cold stretch like her recent 1‑for‑23 slump from deep.

Off nights aren’t new to any rookie, but for Caitlin Clark? It’s crackling news. And every stumble is dissected—game by game, tweet by tweet.

Still, the bigger picture here is how she responds. Grace under pressure. Turn the spotlight into stardust. Build the brand even when the scoreboard doesn’t.

Paige Bueckers saying “inhumane” isn’t shade—it’s respect. It’s real talk about the expectations all from the coast to Des Moines are placing on Caitlin Clark every time she steps on the court.

Jun 22, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Whether she drops 30 or goes ice cold, she’s firing the narrative—and proving she’s built for it.

Paige Bueckers Blazes Past Caitlin Clark With Record-Breaking Start

Paige Bueckers just opened a new chapter—and it read pages ahead of Caitlin Clark. In just 11 games, the Dallas Wings rookie piled up over 200 points and 50 assists—fastest ever in WNBA history—beating Clark’s previous record of 12 games.

That’s not just stats; it’s a statement. Clark, the face of the Fever, set a high bar last season—but Bueckers just cleared it before most rookies catch a breath. Both are turning games into headlines and records into rivalries.

Jun 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts with teammates during a break in play against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Sky’s the limit for both, sure—but tonight’s narrative tilt? Bueckers has the edge. And while Caitlin Clark is rebuilding after a groin injury and a recent scoring slump, this serves as a reminder—even legends get leapfrogged.

This is modern WNBA: rookie phenoms racing head‑to‑head, and Caitlin Clark part of the story—even from a slight step behind.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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