Sue Bird Weighs In: Why the Caitlin Clark No-Call Was the Right Decision in Fever vs. Liberty Thriller

The basketball world was set ablaze after the Indiana Fever’s nail-biting 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty, with controversy swirling around the game’s final moments. As Fever star Caitlin Clark attempted a last-second three-pointer, Liberty guard Natasha Cloud stripped the ball away, sealing the win for New York. Fever fans erupted, demanding a foul call that never came, while Clark and head coach Stephanie White voiced their frustration on the court.

But one voice stood out from the crowd—WNBA legend Sue Bird, who offered a different perspective on the now-infamous play.

Sue Bird: “That Wasn’t a Foul—It Was Elite Defense”

On a recent episode of her podcast, A Touch More, Bird broke down the play with the keen eye of a four-time WNBA champion. “Caitlin, which I’m sure everybody saw this highlight, goes to pull from three, and Natasha pokes it out from underneath. I didn’t think it was a foul,” Bird asserted. “But what ultimately ended up happening was everybody was chatting about the refs.”

Bird didn’t just defend the officials—she praised Cloud’s defensive instincts. “Cloud’s play on the ball was elite. I don’t think people understand how elite that was,” she explained. Bird highlighted that Clark’s tendencies—shooting when going left and driving when going right—make her predictable to top-tier defenders. That, Bird suggested, is exactly why Cloud was able to time her move perfectly and snatch victory from the Fever’s grasp.

A Rivalry in the Making

Whether or not fans agree with the no-call, one thing is certain: the Fever-Liberty matchup has become must-watch basketball. The game’s intensity, star power, and high stakes have left fans clamoring for more showdowns between these two teams—especially if Caitlin Clark is healthy and ready to compete.

As the regular season presses on, anticipation is building for future meetings—and perhaps even a playoff clash—between the Fever and Liberty. For now, Sue Bird’s verdict adds another layer to the debate, reminding everyone that sometimes, great defense is just that—great defense.