Caitlin Clark’s 2024-25 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Between intense on-court battles and a relentless string of injuries, the year has pushed her to her breaking point. The biggest blow came when she missed the Commissioner’s Cup Final against the Minnesota Lynx.
Recently, the WNBA confirmed what many feared: Clark would sit out both the 3-point contest and the 2025 All-Star Game to prioritize recovery from her latest groin injury.
But it was the league’s replacement announcement that really set fans off.
Why Are Fans So Upset About Lexie Hull’s Selection?
In a recent announcement, the WNBA revealed that Clark’s Indiana Fever teammate, Lexie Hull, would take her place in the 3-point shooting contest.
“Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull has been named by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to replace her injured teammate, guard Caitlin Clark, in the 2025 WNBA STARRY® 3-Point Contest,” read a part of the statement by the WNBA.
Indiana Fever Guard Lexie Hull to Replace Injured Teammate Caitlin Clark in WNBA STARRY® 3-Point Contest pic.twitter.com/pGfCcILAAF
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) July 18, 2025
Clark has endured four non-contact injuries this season alone and has missed 11 games. She was sidelined five times for a left quad injury, another five for a groin issue on the same leg, and recently missed a game due to a new groin strain on the right.
While fans accepted her absence, the decision to replace her with Hull sparked immediate controversy.
“Is this a joke ?” one user asked, while another wrote, “Haha, this weekend has become a joke. No one asked for this.”
Is this a joke ?
— Ceejotade (@ArthurJ84059301) July 18, 2025
The irony is that Hull is technically one of the best shooters in the WNBA this season. At least on paper. She currently leads the Fever in 3-point shooting and ranks fourth in the league, hitting 46.8% of her threes.
However, there’s a catch. She only attempts about 2.7 shots from deep per game, a low volume compared to the league’s top gunners. Despite her current slump, Clark has consistently taken eight three-point attempts per game when healthy.
Fans aren’t buying the stats, as one fan said, “She can’t even shoot tho lol.”
she can’t even shoot tho lol
— LeLakers 2️⃣3️⃣ 👑 (@LeLaker) July 18, 2025
Social media confusion reached its peak when fans began advocating for alternative replacements. One supporter mistakenly claimed that Kennedy Burke deserved the spot as the league’s second-best three-point shooter.
The reality of the current season standings paints a different picture entirely, as Rhyne Howard leads the league with 56 successful three-pointers, followed by Kelsey Plum in second place with 53 three-pointers.
“This should be Kennedy Burke! She’s 2nd in the whole league at 3 pt shooting %,” wrote the user.
This should be Kennedy Burke! She’s 2nd in the whole league at 3 pt shooting %.
— D. Young (@D_Young1212) July 18, 2025
While most fans were quick to criticize the WNBA’s decision, not everyone shared the outrage. One fan took a different stance and praised the move.
“Great Choice!! 3rd in 3-point percentage. Perfect replacement for her teammate… At home,” said the fan.
Great Choice!! 3rd in 3-point percentage. Perfect replacement for her teammate… At home.
— Steve Ferrante (@SteveF0923) July 18, 2025
As the basketball world prepares for the 3-point contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the focus shifts from Clark’s anticipated performance to Hull’s opportunity to silence the critics.
