Caitlin Clark remains one of the best basketball players in the world, and her comeback last month proved exactly that. She missed five consecutive games due to a quad injury but showed no signs of rust upon her return.
Clark put up 32 points against the defending champion New York Liberty in her first game back. The performance showed just how special the Indiana Fever superstar really is. She helped the Fever win the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, which became controversial when Clark called out WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Former Coach Claims Fever Play Better Without Their Superstar
Despite her undeniable impact, Clark always seems to face heavy criticism. Recently, it was Carolyn Peck, who coached the Orlando Miracle before the franchise became the Connecticut Sun.
Peck boldly claimed that the Fever looked like a better team on the floor without their superstar guard.
“I think that Indiana is even more dangerous when Caitlin Clark doesn’t play because she’s a ball-dominant guard,” Peck said a few days ago. “The ball’s in her hands a lot, so you know what you need to try to take away. But when you look at Indiana now, they’ve got so many weapons.”
The comment inevitably infuriated Clark’s fans, who accused Peck of hating on the player and questioning her credibility as an analyst. Engelbert has been in her position as WNBA commissioner since 2019.
Peck’s take certainly comes off as shocking considering how many records Clark has broken on and off the court since moving to Indianapolis. The rookie sensation has transformed the Fever from a struggling franchise into a legitimate playoff contender.
Carolyn Peck Doubles Down After Fever Loss Proves Her Point
However, it doesn’t look like the former WNBA coach’s opinion has aged well. The Fever lost to the Los Angeles Sparks, where they failed to hold a comfortable lead against Kelsey Plum and company. It was the end of a three-game winning streak for Indianapolis, after beating teams like the Minnesota Lynx.
I did not say Caitlin Clark is not Valuable . She’s a-great player. For those who only see Caitlin, I was complimenting the rest of the team. The Fever have several weapons. Yes, they lost last night. They have lost games w her. RESPECT to the WHOLE @IndianaFever team.
— CAROLYN PECK (@CAROLYNPECK) July 6, 2025
After the game, Peck clarified that she did not take a dig at Clark and stood by her strong opinion. “I did not say Caitlin Clark is not Valuable . She’s a-great player. For those who only see Caitlin, I was complimenting the rest of the team. The Fever have several weapons. Yes, they lost last night. They have lost games w her. RESPECT to the WHOLE [Indiana Fever] team,” she wrote.
She also referenced her experience as a coach to claim that the scouting report on the Fever suggests that they are quite different as a team with and without Clark on the floor. Peck argued that opposing teams prepare differently when they know Clark won’t be running the offense.
Why Caitlin Clark’s Absence Creates More Questions Than Answers
Clark is currently out with a groin injury and her return timeline remains a huge question mark. There is no doubt that her absence is noticeable, considering the quality she brings as a ball-handler. She is an elite playmaker, not to mention her shooting abilities from beyond the arc.
Peck may be right in claiming that Indianapolis boasts plenty of weapons, including the likes of Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. Both players have stepped up in Clark’s absence, with Mitchell averaging over 20 points per game and Boston dominating the paint on both ends.
Clark boasts impressive numbers despite missing significant time this season with multiple injuries. The former Iowa star has dealt with a quad injury and now a groin issue that has kept her sidelined for extended periods.
She will aim to prove the critics wrong as she has done countless times, as fans await her comeback against the in-form Golden State Valkyries in the next game. The Fever need their superstar healthy if they want to make a serious playoff push in the second half of the season.
