"Dynamic duo" - LeBron James shouts out Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell after Fever duo's combined 65 points in nail-biter vs Wings
LeBron James sent a strong message to hype up Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell after a terrific outing against the Dallas Wings. The duo combined for 65 points against the Texan franchise, taking the Indiana Fever back to winning ways after dropping two games to the Las Vegas Aces.
The LA Lakers superstar shared an Instagram story celebrating this tandem, picking a fitting nickname for them.
"Dynamic duo!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥," James captioned the post.
Caitlin Clark didn't have the best start to this game, barely scoring four points in the first quarter. She found her rhythm in the second period, adding 11 units to her account. The second half saw her take over the game alongside Mitchell. Clark finished the duel with 35 points and eight assists.
Two days after breaking the record for the most assists in a single season, she booked a new career-high. On the other hand, Mitchell contributed 30 points and one assist, shooting 12-for-21 from the field and 6-for-12 from the 3-point line.
LeBron James has become one of the biggest Clark fans this season, frequently going after her haters. This one wasn't the exception and he added Mitchell to the mix.
The Fever will face the Washington Mystics on Thursday to wrap up a rollercoaster of a season, hoping to finish at the top of their game. They're sitting at 20-19 and as the sixth seed in the league, which would pair them with the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
Analyst criticizes Caitlin Clark for 'whining' at referees
Even though she posted a terrific performance against the Wings, Caitlin Clark was the subject of criticism by a veteran analyst. Jason Whitlock, who has been known for defending Clark, went in on Clark for not helping her team on a fastbreak after not getting a foul call.
"This is how Caitlin Clark’s lack of emotional control and constant whining hurt the Fever. She was not fouled. Chose to whine. No hustle on D. Easy 2 points for Dallas," Whitlock tweeted on Sunday.
Fortunately, Clark's offensive prowess was more than her shortcomings on defense, helping her side to the win.