Hell Breaks Loose as Caitlin Clark Stans Fire Back at Paige Bueckers Fans After Jibe at WNBA Star Goes Viral

The rivalry between two prominent figures in women’s college basketball, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, dates back to 2021. One has already achieved success in the professional ranks, while the other is poised to do the same, with all eyes on her debut in 2025. However, the competition between these two extends beyond their performance on the court; it’s also fueled by their passionate fans going head-to-head.

Tensions escalated recently after a Bueckers fan made a viral comment. Mariah Rose uploaded a video that quickly gained popularity. In it, she made a bold statement that has caused an uproar among Caitlin Clark’s supporters. She asserted, “She (Paige) was Caitlin Clark before Caitlin Clark.”

This sparked a debate about who truly deserves the title of basketball queen, with Rose also blaming the referees for UConn’s loss to Iowa last year. This did not sit well with CC’s fans. But where did it all begin? In 2021, to be precise.

Both players had breakout freshman seasons in 2021, setting the stage for what was to follow. The Iowa alumna and UConn star were named Freshmen of the Year, sparking intense debates about who was more deserving of the accolade.

Clark averaged 26.6 points per game, leading Iowa in scoring, while Bueckers guided UConn with 20.0 points per game, taking them to a Final Four appearance. Despite the statistics, Bueckers received the Naismith Trophy, leaving Clark’s supporters feeling robbed.

Their career trajectories have diverged over the years. Clark continued to break records at Iowa, while Bueckers’ career was marred by injuries until recently. After recovering from knee surgery, Bueckers led UConn to the NCAA Tournament semi-finals, where they were defeated by Caitlin Clark’s Iowa.

Fast forward to today, with Bueckers’ WNBA debut on the horizon and Clark coming off a stellar rookie season, their rivalry is reigniting. The latest video has stirred up controversy, with Indiana Fever star’s fans responding passionately.

Caitlin Clark fans fire back at Paige Bueckers online

Supporters of Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are just as competitive as the players themselves. A fan commented on the video, “The refs wanted Caitlin to win a championship? Guess those refs took the day off of the championship game. What a crappy way to try to build up Paige by minimizing the most popular female basketball player in the world.”

CC’s fans vehemently deny claims that Iowa’s victory was due to biased officiating. Calling her the “most popular female basketball player in the world” is not an exaggeration, considering Clark’s impact on WNBA viewership.

Another commenter remarked, “Not surprised you gotta mention CC to get some more views.” Fans of the Fever Guard believe Paige supporters often mention Caitlin to attract attention, recognizing Clark’s unmatched marketability and popularity.

A third fan revisited last year’s semi-final, “Maybe Paige shouldn’t have had her back turned on the inbound 🚶🏻‍♀️ Did the moving screen call suck as well? Yeah, but that was the definition of a moving screen 😂.”

With just 3.9 seconds remaining and Iowa leading 70-69, UConn was called for an illegal screen, giving Iowa possession. In a decisive move, CC threw the ball off Paige Bueckers’ back during an inbound play to secure the win.

Paige’s fans criticized the officiating, but Clark’s supporters argue it showcased Caitlin’s basketball IQ. Regardless, it was a defining moment in their rivalry. The discussion then took a turn towards supporting women in sports.

“Knocking down one woman to build another up, it’s just ugly. All boats rise together,” one comment read, advocating for women’s empowerment amidst heated debates. The message – let’s appreciate both athletes for their contributions to the game, rather than pitting them against each other.

Another fan stated, “Does everyone love Paige though? 🤷‍♀️ I, for one, would set my alarm to watch Caitlin play at 5 a.m. I wouldn’t do that for any other player in America, so tell me again how everyone loves Paige?”

Personal anecdotes are shared by fans to emphasize their unwavering support for Clark. Those who introduced them to a community they now cherish hold a special place.

Ultimately, whether Paige Bueckers shines when she joins the Dallas Wings in the 2025 Draft or Caitlin Clark solidifies her position, one thing is certain: both will be remembered as among the top college athletes transitioning to the pros. But for now, let the games continue.