Stephanie White faces fan backlash after Caitlin Clark benched in win over Tempo
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 10:30 AM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White received criticism after decisions in a 103-85 victory against the Toronto Tempo. Caitlin Clark excelled, totaling 28 points and 14 assists, but was benched late in the game with her stats approaching another 30-point, 10-assist performance. Opinions are divided among fans regarding White's choice, with some supporting it due to player safety concerns ahead of the playoffs, while others interpret it as favoritism towards teammate Kelsey Mitchell, who set the single-season scoring record with 33 points. Discussion continues among fans and analysts.
- •Indiana Fever win 103-85 against Toronto Tempo on September 19.
- •Caitlin Clark scores 28 points and records 14 assists.
- •Stephanie White benches Clark before reaching 30 points and 10 assists.
- •Kelsey Mitchell sets a new single-season WNBA scoring record with 33 points.
- •Fan opinions on the benching decision are split, citing concerns over injury and team dynamics.
- 10:30 AMYahoo Sports — Caitlin Clark yells at Fever head coach Stephanie White in heated on-court moment during WNBA loss
- 6:31 AMYahoo Sports — ‘(Caitlin Clark) Deserves So Much Better,’ ‘Fire Stephanie White’ – Calls Mount for Fever To Overhaul Coaching Staff After Critical Loss to Mystics
- 4:59 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Stephanie White Is an Embarrassment,’ ‘Something Is Very Wrong’ — Frustrations Mount As Caitlin Clark Goes Off on Fever HC Over Defensive Lapses
- 12:10 PMYahoo Sports — Stephanie White divides Fever fans with controversial Caitlin Clark decision vs Tempo
"Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark couldn’t keep her emotions contained as she was heard audibly yelling at coach Stephanie White during their recent game. The Fever fell to a costly 93-77 loss to the Washington Mystics on September 20, increasing their chances of falling all the way to the No.
"Caitlin Clark’s frustration boiled over Sunday as the Indiana Fever suffered a 93-77 home loss to the Washington Mystics. With Indiana struggling to contain Washington, the three-time All-Star appeared to direct a heated message toward head coach Stephanie White late in the first quarter.
"Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever lost to the Washington Mystics on Sunday, prompting significant criticism of head coach Stephanie White and her coaching staff. This was a key matchup for the Fever (27-15), as a win would’ve strengthened their bid for a top-four seeding.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 21, 2026, 10:30 AMCaitlin Clark yells at Fever head coach Stephanie White in heated on-court moment during WNBA loss
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark couldn’t keep her emotions contained as she was heard audibly yelling at coach Stephanie White during their recent game. The Fever fell to a costly 93-77 loss to the Washington Mystics on September 20, increasing their chances of falling all the way to the No.
- Yahoo SportsSep 21, 2026, 6:31 AM‘(Caitlin Clark) Deserves So Much Better,’ ‘Fire Stephanie White’ – Calls Mount for Fever To Overhaul Coaching Staff After Critical Loss to Mystics
Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever lost to the Washington Mystics on Sunday, prompting significant criticism of head coach Stephanie White and her coaching staff. This was a key matchup for the Fever (27-15), as a win would’ve strengthened their bid for a top-four seeding.
- Yahoo SportsSep 21, 2026, 4:59 AM‘Stephanie White Is an Embarrassment,’ ‘Something Is Very Wrong’ — Frustrations Mount As Caitlin Clark Goes Off on Fever HC Over Defensive Lapses
Caitlin Clark’s frustration boiled over Sunday as the Indiana Fever suffered a 93-77 home loss to the Washington Mystics. With Indiana struggling to contain Washington, the three-time All-Star appeared to direct a heated message toward head coach Stephanie White late in the first quarter.
- Yahoo SportsSep 19, 2026, 12:10 PMStephanie White divides Fever fans with controversial Caitlin Clark decision vs Tempo
A victory over the Toronto Tempo wasn’t enough to spare Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White from some fan criticism. Returning from the international break, Stephanie White and the Indiana Fever didn’t miss a beat, rolling to a 103-85 win over the Toronto Tempo.
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