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Collage featuring Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith speaks during a live taping of ESPN's "First Take" at Florida A&M University's new Will and BASKETBALL-WNBA-IND-LV/. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Caitlin Clark’s disappointing Thursday night performance left the Indiana Fever with more questions than answers. After a painful 86-84 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Aces, the spotlight quickly shifted from what went wrong to a much bigger question: Who should Indiana trust most when the game is on the line?
Stephen A. Smith offered his answer on Friday, and it wasn’t the one many Fever supporters expected.
Stephen A. Smith Says Kelsey Mitchell, Not Caitlin Clark, Is the Fever’s Best Player
Clark received plenty of criticism after the Fever’s loss to the defending champs. The superstar point guard missed two crucial free throws in the final seconds of regulation before losing the ball to A’ja Wilson late in overtime, setting up the Aces’ comeback victory.
The loss also highlighted the contrasting performances of Indiana’s two All-Star guards.
Kelsey Mitchell finished with 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting, including 2-for-4 from 3-point range. Clark, meanwhile, went 7-for-20 and struggled badly from deep, making just 2-of-10 attempts.
That contrast was central to Smith’s argument on Friday’s “First Take.”
The ESPN personality pointed out that Fever coach Stephanie White frequently turns to Clark in critical situations, even when Mitchell may be having a more efficient night.
Smith questioned whether White is “responding to the narratives” surrounding Clark and suggested that Mitchell deserves more opportunities with the ball in her hands.
The veteran sports talk show host then explained why he believes Mitchell has earned that responsibility.
“I’m a fan of Caitlin Clark, but the best player on the Indiana Fever is Kelsey Mitchell. It’s time we acknowledge that perfectly. That’s not disrespect to Caitlin Clark; she can play. … She’s more efficient from the field, she’s more efficient from 3-point range, she protects the ball better,” Smith said.
“… Caitlin Clark is the box-office attraction, make no mistake about that, but Kelsey Mitchell is the better player for the Indiana Fever, so says this year.”
The numbers give Smith a statistical case.
Clark is averaging 21.5 points, 8.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 turnovers per game. She is shooting 44.1% from the field and 34.1% from 3-point range.
Mitchell, meanwhile, is putting up 24.1 points, 2.7 assists, 1.5 rebounds, and just 1.8 turnovers per game. The veteran guard is shooting an impressive 50.4% from the field and 43.9% from 3-point range.
Based on this season’s production, Smith believes Mitchell has a legitimate claim to being Indiana’s best player, which he thought White should recognize, particularly in late-game situations.
SEE ALSO:‘You’re Not a Child’ – Stephen A. Smith Urges Caitlin Clark to ‘Do Better’ When Facing WNBA’s Issues
Clark remains the Fever’s undeniable box-office draw, but Smith’s argument is ultimately about what happens on the floor.
If Indiana wants to turn its star power into wins, White may have to decide whether the team’s most recognizable player should always be the one making the biggest decisions or whether the numbers tell her to put the ball in Mitchell’s hands instead.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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