Caitlin Clark's Late-Game Decision Draws Comparison to Angel Reese Controversy

With a win over the Phoenix Mercury secured and the ball in her hands, Caitlin Clark chose to take a turnover instead of going for a career-high in points.

Clark held the ball to take an intentional 24-second violation in the final seconds of the Indiana Fever's 98-89 win over the Mercury on August 16. Clark had 29 points at the time, one basket shy of surpassing her WNBA career-high of 30 points, but opted to forgo the personal accolade to secure the win.

Clark's decision drew subtle references to fellow rookie Angel Reese, who faced accusations of padding her stats earlier in the WNBA season.

"Caitlin Clark 1 point away from a 30 and 10 game decides to not stat pad and take the 24 second violation," one person shared on X .

"Wait, are you saying there’s a rookie out here that would’ve taken that shot in attempts to stat pad?" another wrote.

The comments appeared to reference the criticism Reese faced during her WNBA record of 15 straight double-doubles, when many fans accused her of padding her stats with late-game points. In a July 13 loss to the New York Liberty that saw an end to her streak, Reese attempted to score on the final possession despite being swarmed by four Liberty defenders.

The play drew plenty of criticism, though some defended Reese. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III took to X to write that stat padding is not uncommon in professional sports.

Related: Former NFL QB Issues Five-Word Statement on Angel Reese After 'Stat Padding' Allegation

"Reese isn’t the first to stat pad at the end of games or chase records," Griffin wrote in a post on X on July 13. "We have seen it in the NBA and NFL. Players care, fans care, coaches care and their teammates care about these milestones. It’s an impressive record regardless. Good on the Liberty for not just letting her keep it going. Earned not given is something we can all respect."