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

'Stop Using Caitlin As A Marker': Caitlin Clark As Success Barometer For Paige Bueckers Irks Michael McManus

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 7:20 AM ET

Caitlin Clark has been the measuring stick for WNBA rookies ever since she entered the league last season. But with Paige Bueckers now in the mix, the comparisons are coming in fast—and not everyone’s happy about it.

On Sunday, the Indiana Fever cruised past the Dallas Wings in a 102-83 win. It marked the first head-to-head battle between Clark and Bueckers in the WNBA—and fans definitely had their eyes locked in. Bueckers held her own, dropping 21 points in the loss. Clark, meanwhile, put up 14 points but struggled with her shot—fueling even more talk online about who’s having the better rookie season.

Michael McManus, better known as Deloris and a close friend of A’ja Wilson, had something to say about the comparisons. In a tweet that gained traction, he urged fans to pump the brakes.

“If yall would stop using Caitlin as the marker for success you could enjoy your played in peace. Paige is having an amazing season and is helping to shape the future of the Dallas franchise. She didn’t come into a franchise with a generational big already there,” McManus wrote.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) hug Sunday, July 13, 2025, ahead of the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

He followed it up with another message for WNBA fans, saying the endless comparisons were distracting from actual basketball discussions.

“Once y’all stop comparing the two, we can start having some real convos about the game.”

Bueckers, who came into the league as this year’s No. 1 overall pick, is making her case for Rookie of the Year. And while Clark still leads in assists and overall spotlight, she’s hit a cold stretch offensively—shooting just 31.1% from the field over her last five games.

“As good as it’s going to get”: Caitlin Clark praises Fever after win

Despite her recent slump, Caitlin Clark continues to lead her squad—and on Sunday, she dished out another compliment to her teammates after the win.

“30 assists on 40 made shots is about as good as it’s going to get.. it shows the selflessness of this group… just really proud of this group of how we share the ball,” Clark told Moreau Sports Media.

REPORT: Caitlin Clark Gets 'Future Face Of The League' Tag Over Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers 13 Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22)reacts to a basket scored by a teammate against the Chicago Sky during the first half of a WNBA game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

She only hit 2-of-7 from deep, but leaned into playmaking mode once again. While the shooting struggles are real, Clark’s vision and leadership are still keeping the Fever’s momentum alive.

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

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