Cheryl Miller Defends Caitlyn Clark, Calls Out Cheryl Swoopes for Spreading False Narratives

Basketball legend Cheryl Miller recently stepped forward to strongly defend WNBA rookie sensation Caitlyn Clark, directly confronting former star Cheryl Swoopes for her misleading criticism.

Miller, an iconic figure in women’s basketball, addressed false narratives surrounding Clark during a powerful appearance on the “All The Smoke” podcast, sparking widespread excitement among Indiana Fever fans.

The controversy began with Swoopes, herself a WNBA legend, repeatedly making exaggerated claims about Clark, particularly targeting her age, experience, and playing style.

In one widely criticized statement, Swoopes inaccurately claimed Clark was “a 25-year-old playing against 20-year-olds” during her senior year at Iowa.

Clark, in reality, was just 22 years old—typical of college seniors. When confronted about her inaccuracies, Swoopes attempted to attribute her comments to hyperbole related to COVID eligibility rules—a weak explanation quickly dismissed by basketball enthusiasts.

Swoopes further claimed Clark took “40 shots per game,” portraying her as a selfish shooter. Statistics, however, reveal Clark averaged just 22.7 shots per game—a stark contrast to Swoopes’s exaggerated figures.

Ironically, Swoopes herself averaged 19.2 shots during her senior year, barely fewer than Clark, highlighting a clear inconsistency in her critique.

Clark’s pursuit of the NCAA scoring record also faced undue skepticism from Swoopes, who falsely stated Clark needed a fifth year to break the record held by Kelsey Plum.

In reality, Clark surpassed the record within the standard four-year collegiate span, choosing not to utilize the additional COVID-related eligibility year.

Despite these disproven claims, Swoopes continued her negative commentary as Clark transitioned into her rookie WNBA season.

Initially predicting that Clark would not dominate at the professional level, Swoopes became notably silent when Clark quickly began breaking records, notably leading the league with an impressive 8.4 assists per game alongside a strong 19.2 points per game.

This stellar performance earned Clark the prestigious Rookie of the Year honors, effectively silencing her critics.

The basketball community was quick to notice the problematic pattern of Swoopes’s commentary, eventually leading to her removal from broadcasting duties for a Fever game.

Nancy Lieberman replaced her, publicly correcting the misinformation being spread about Clark and emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting.

Enter Cheryl Miller, a legendary figure known for her exceptional achievements, including Olympic gold and multiple national championships.

Miller, who coached Clark in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, passionately defended Clark, criticizing her detractors in no uncertain terms.

Her now-viral remark—”Come on, you big dummies”—highlighted the absurdity of the ongoing criticism and marked a turning point in the public narrative around Clark.

Miller’s defense wasn’t simply emotional—it was analytical. Having closely observed Clark’s capabilities firsthand, Miller praised Clark’s exceptional court vision, describing it as “seeing the game in a 3D version.”

Contrary to the narrative pushed by critics, Miller found Clark’s defensive abilities and basketball IQ far superior to public perception, underscoring her complete game beyond mere scoring prowess.

Perhaps most impactful was Miller’s emotional bond with Clark. Recounting a poignant moment after the Fever’s first victory in 2024, Miller recalled embracing Clark, offering genuine support during a time when criticism seemed overwhelming.

Miller’s words to Clark—”I’m so proud of you. Savor this. Use this as a formula, but keep being you”—resonated deeply, providing crucial encouragement amid intense scrutiny.

Miller emphasized that Clark’s impact transcends individual performance, asserting her presence significantly elevates the entire league, even benefiting those who criticize her.

Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has brought increased visibility and financial opportunities, a point Miller articulated clearly when addressing critics directly: “You big dummies, you’re getting paid now!”

Beyond just her personal defense of Clark, Miller offered an optimistic assessment of the Indiana Fever’s future, highlighting the remarkable talent and fearless attitude of the young roster.

Miller expressed surprise at the exceptional basketball intelligence of the Fever squad, confidently predicting a bright future for the team. She described them as not only talented but “fearless,” precisely the psychological edge needed for championship contention.

The mutual respect and admiration between Miller and Clark have become a source of excitement and optimism for Indiana fans. Clark herself has openly expressed admiration for Miller, describing the legend as “one of the pioneers of our game,” whose “personality radiates.”

Their interactions during the All-Star event showcased a mentor-student dynamic, promising a transformative partnership that could shape Indiana’s championship aspirations.

The evolving relationship between Miller and Clark symbolizes a generational shift in women’s basketball, emphasizing collaboration over criticism.

While certain detractors persist, the partnership between these two iconic figures represents an inspiring future rooted in mutual respect and mentorship.

For Indiana Fever fans, the synergy between Clark’s immense talent and Miller’s seasoned mentorship offers more than hope—it signals a genuine championship-caliber future.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Fever appear poised not just to silence critics but to reshape women’s basketball narratives altogether, thanks in significant part to the alliance between Caitlyn Clark and Cheryl Miller.