“Further proof they hate Caitlin Clark”: Fans react as Paige Bueckers had rivals Marina Mabrey and Jacy Sheldon 'taking her side against the referee'

Paige Bueckers has entered the WNBA without skipping a beat in her rookie season. She is the Dallas Wings' leading scorer and has quickly become one of the league's most popular players. However, fans took her interaction with Connecticut Sun guards Marina Mabrey and Jacy Sheldon as a slight against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

Bueckers argued with an official after a call during the Wings' game against the Sun on Friday night. After the referee refused to listen to her, Bueckers walked away before Mabrey and Sheldon stopped her, wondering what she said to the official. After a quick explanation, all three players smiled and prepared for the inbound. That reaction led some fans to bring up how Clark is treated.

When Bueckers declared for the WNBA Draft and was selected No. 1 overall, experts and fans around the league started to compare her to Clark. Both players were superstars in college and were extremely popular as they became professionals. However, Bueckers' welcome was much more tame than Clark's was.

This season, Clark has been on both ends of technical and flagrant fouls as excessive contact during Fever games have resulted in arguments and shoving matches throughout the season. Bueckers, on the other hand, does not receive as much negativity from her peers despite carrying herself in a similar way as Indiana's superstar does.

One fan praised Bueckers for having two opposing players on her side, saying that the fact that they agreed with her argument was something worth noting.

Fans took to social media to offer their thoughts on the interaction, with some saying that players side with Bueckers purely because they dislike Clark.

One fan took things a step further when comparing the reputation of Bueckers to Clark's when it comes to how their opponents view them.

Mabrey and the Suns showed the difference between what WNBA players think about Bueckers and Clark

The Sun played both the Fever and the Wings within the last week. Despite losing both games by less than ten points, the vibe of each game was different.

Connecticut center Tina Charles, Mabrey and Clark received technical fouls after Sheldon hit the Fever guard in the face while going for a steal. Clark took exception to the contact, causing Charles and Mabrey to come to defend their teammate. Mabrey pushed Clark to the floor and the officials gave all three players technical fouls.

When that play is compared to what happened between Bueckers and the Sun players, the difference is clear. However, no WNBA players have openly taken a stance against Clark so far this season. However, her attitude shift from 2024 to 2025 has rubbed some players the wrong way.

If things continue, fans arguing that Bueckers is spared the hardships that Clark goes through will only get louder. For now, though, the comparison of both young stars is something to watch as the season continues.

Edited by Zachary Howell