Caitlin Clark Defended Well By Natasha Cloud In The Clutch Gets Reaction From Sabrina Ionescu. Photo credits: Imagn

'We Know What We’re Gonna Get From Her': Caitlin Clark Defended Well By Natasha Cloud In The Clutch Gets Reaction From Sabrina Ionescu

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 26, 2025 1:36 PM ET

Caitlin Clark continues to be the face of the WNBA’s new era, but even stars have off nights. The Indiana Fever rookie delivered a double-double performance with 18 points and 10 assists, but also committed 10 turnovers in a narrow 90-88 loss to the defending champion New York Liberty on Saturday.

In a game filled with highlight moments, it was the final possession that stole the spotlight, though not in Clark’s favor. With the game on the line and just seconds left, Clark tried to create space for a potential game-winner. Instead, Natasha Cloud stripped her clean, sealing the win for New York.

“She had one against DeWanna Bonner that was a huge block at the rim, and then got a huge stop at the end [on Clark]… she plays with a lot of heart, and we know what we’re gonna get from her,” said Sabrina Ionescu.

Head coach Sandy Brondello added: “[Natasha Cloud], we’ve never had anyone quite like her before… And she’s also one of the best defenders in the league.”

Caitlin Clark immediately turned to the referees, believing there was contact on the play. But no whistle blew, and the Liberty erupted in celebration after escaping Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the win.

Despite her cold shooting night—just 2-for-10 from three—Clark remained aggressive and impactful throughout. But it’s now the second straight game where she’s struggled from deep, leading to growing concern among fans and analysts.

May 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes the ball against the Atlanta Dream in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark’s gone cold says WNBA analyst

WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita weighed in on Caitlin Clark’s struggles after the game, suggesting that her cold streak might be turning into a mental block.

“She was missing these threes like we haven’t seen her miss threes,” DeMita said. “It happens with shooters. But once you get cold for that long, it starts to get mental, and you could definitely see it in her body language.”

May 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots the ball while New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Clark, who made a three-pointer in 42 consecutive games since college, recently went 0-for-7 from downtown before this 2-for-10 performance. DeMita also pointed to coaching as key to helping her bounce back.

“I’d turn to the coaches, too. They need to figure out what buttons to push to help her snap out of it,” she added.

May 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) holds the ball while New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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

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