Caitlin Clark may have given new life to conspiracy theories among Indiana Fever fans that ignited after Sophie Cunningham’s injury absence in Thursday’s 114-106 overtime win over the Chicago Sky. On Saturday, Cunningham returned and closed the game for Indiana on an 11-0 run in Saturday’s 85-75 win over the Connecticut Sun.
Clark hilariously said that Cunningham had a “new elbow.”
“Well, she’s got a new elbow,” Clark told NBC’s Caroline Pineda. “She was telling everyone she’s gonna make three threes tonight. I wasn’t so sure about it there until the last five minutes, but I guess she held true to her word.”
Many fans were surprised by Cunningham’s sudden absence due to injury as she left Monday’s game at Washington without any issues. Cunningham also combined with Clark on the game-winning in-bounds play in that contest.
While a game-winner is generally uncontroversial, it forced a chaotic discussion as fans debated whether the play was for Clark. Some claimed Cunningham and Clark sabotaged Stephanie White’s play after Lexie Hull said the duo improvised.
Meanwhile, Cunningham joked about the situation on her Instagram before shooting down speculation on X, saying it was “exactly” what White drew up. Fans speculated that Cunningham was facing an indirect suspension for her social media activity, or even improvising the game-winner with Clark after her surprising injury update and eventual absence.
After Caitlin Clark’s “new elbow” remark, the fan theories resurfaced.
One X user said:
“When asked about Sophie’s big game, Caitlin replied, ‘Well, she got a new elbow.’ CC really said one sentence and reopened the case files.”
“Ready for the injury report: CC questionable next game for this comment lol,” another added.
“I cracked up when she said that. Those ladies know the truth,” one fan wrote.
“Conspiracy confirmed,” another wrote.
“truth be told!!!” one fan said.
“Caitlin says to the on-court commentator about Sophie Cunningham’s 11 points. “Well, she got a new elbow so…” and then she winked at the reporter. Conspiracy confirmed,” one fan added.
Caitlin Clark name-calls the referee for the delay of game tech
Caitlin Clark didn’t hold back on referee Tyler Mirkovic handing her a technical foul for delay of game on Saturday. Clark tried to save the ball from going away with her foot, but it deflected and went the other way. The official whistled Clark for delay of game.
Clark was shocked at the time and continued to express how baffling she found the ref’s call.
“The delay of game made no sense,” Clark said (via Fever beat reporter Chloe Peterson). “It felt like Tyler (Mirkovich) wanted to insert himself into the game, and that was ridiculous.”
Clark already had one tech, but she didn’t get ejected as the second one went to the team. She agreed with the first one for arguing with the officials and said it was worth it.
Clark finished Saturday’s game with 25 points and five assists without a single attempt from the free-throw line. She shot 10 of 17, including 5 of 10, recording her most efficient game of the season.
Read more:
- “They HATE Her”: Caitlin Clark Fans Bash Refs After Delay of Game Technical After Fever Star Unintentionally Deflects Ball Off Her Foot
- Stephanie White Makes Feelings Clear on Sophie Cunningham’s Right Elbow Injury
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