**Brittney Griner Fires Back at Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever Fans After Narrow Victory**
In a thrilling WNBA matchup on May 20, 2025, the Atlanta Dream edged out the Indiana Fever 91-90 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, handing the Fever their first loss of the 2025 season. The game, marked by intense competition and standout performances, saw Atlanta Dream’s new center, Brittney Griner, deliver a powerful statement both on the court and off it, responding to Caitlin Clark and the passionate Indiana Fever fanbase.
Griner, a nine-time WNBA All-Star, was a force for the Dream, contributing 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting, eight rebounds, two assists, and a block before fouling out with 21 seconds remaining. Her performance was pivotal in securing Atlanta’s first win of the season, improving their record to 1-1 after a loss to the Washington Mystics. Following the game, Griner took to social media to celebrate the victory, posting a message that appeared to throw subtle shade at the Fever and their fans. While the exact content of her post wasn’t disclosed, sources described it as a bold reaction to the intense atmosphere and the high expectations surrounding Indiana’s star rookie, Caitlin Clark.
Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, delivered a historic performance despite the loss, dropping a game-high 27 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, and five three-pointers, tying Courtney Vandersloot for the most 20-point, 10-assist games in WNBA history (10). Her late-game heroics, including back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter, fueled a Fever rally that briefly gave them a 90-89 lead after Aliyah Boston’s free throw. However, Rhyne Howard’s clutch free throws with nine seconds left sealed the win for Atlanta. Clark later pointed to Indiana’s poor free-throw shooting (61.5%) and slow starts as critical factors in the defeat, emphasizing the need for consistency in the competitive WNBA.
The game wasn’t without controversy. Griner’s foul on Boston, which led to her disqualification, sparked discussions among fans, with some Fever supporters arguing that Clark faced excessive physicality without sufficient calls from referees—a sentiment echoed from their preseason matchup. Social media buzzed with reactions, as Fever fans expressed frustration over perceived officiating disparities, while Dream supporters praised their team’s physical dominance.
Griner’s post-game social media jab seemed to address the Fever’s fanbase directly, amplifying the rivalry’s intensity. The Dream, bolstered by newcomers like Griner and Brionna Jones (19 points, 13 rebounds), showcased their revamped roster’s potential to challenge top teams. Meanwhile, Clark’s historic night, despite the loss, underscored her growing influence in the league
As both teams prepare for a rematch on May 22 at State Farm Arena, moved to accommodate the large crowds Clark draws, the stage is set for another heated battle. Griner’s performance and her fiery response have added fuel to this budding rivalry, ensuring that the Fever-Dream clash will remain a focal point of the 2025 WNBA season.
