Caitlin Clark had the best quarter of her young WNBA career on Saturday afternoon vs. the New York Liberty. The former Iowa Hawkeyes superstar finished the first frame with 10 points on four-of-five shooting with three assists. 

However, the Fever once again struggled on the defensive end. Indiana gave up 33 first-quarter points to the Liberty, led by Sabrina Ionescu’s nine points, all coming on three-point attempts.

The message from Fever coach Christie Sides after the first quarter’s showdown? Better defensive effort. Even ESPN’s Holly Rowe felt the need to tell Clark to step it up.

At the end of the first quarter, Rowe interviewed Clark to talk about her performance. During the interview’s final moments, Rowe issued a strong demand of Clark.

Rowe: “Alright, better defense please.”

Clark: “Yep, sorry!”

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) warms up prior to the game against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Did Holly Rowe cross the line? She probably shouldn’t be saying something like that to players, even if she might be right.

WNBA fans think Rowe crossed the line.

“i don’t like to talk poorly of media personalities or professionals bc everyone deserves grace but… i hate how comfortable holly rowe feels pointing out flaws in players like they don’t already know they need to work on it… it’s just public humiliation at that point,” a fan said on X.

Caitlin Clark knows she needs to play better on the defensive end. She doesn’t need sideline reporters coaching her during interviews.