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WNBA Makes Natasha Cloud Announcement After Caitlin Clark Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 28, 2025 1:51 PM ET

Natasha Cloud and the New York Liberty were able to squeak out a 90-88 win over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Saturday afternoon, remaining undefeated to start the 2025 WNBA season.

Cloud finished the game with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals. Clark tallied 18 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and 10 turnovers.

However, the game did not end without some controversy. With two seconds left and Indiana trailing by two, Clark received the ball and attempted to drive to the basket with Cloud draped all over her.

Cloud ended up stripping the ball away, ultimately ending the game. Yet, many fans claim that Clark was fouled and should have been awarded two free throws, which could have tied the game.

While Clark received unfortunate injury news following the Fever vs. Liberty game, sidelining her for at least two weeks, Cloud had reason to celebrate with some positive news of her own.

On Wednesday, the WNBA announced that Cloud is the Week 1 Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

Cloud was granted this award for games played from May 16 to 25, when she averaged 18.7 points on 55.6% shooting, 7.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks. She also helped New York secure a perfect 3-0 record in those games.

Along with Cloud, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier was named the Western Conference Player of the Week after averaging 29.5 points and 7.3 rebounds.

Week 1 Players of the Week

Eastern Conference: @T_Cloud4 | @nyliberty
18.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 7.7 APG

Western Conference: @PHEEsespieces | @minnesotalynx
29.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.75 SPG#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/7o3ZZMBo2b
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 28, 2025

During her Liberty debut, Cloud also made some history, becoming the only player to notch 22 points, six rebounds and nine assists in the first game with a new franchise. She also climbed into the top 10 in the WNBA's all-time assists leaders. But this marks just the first time Cloud has won the award.

Up next for the Liberty, a battle with the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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