Cindy Brunson Accuses Caitlin Clark of Stat Padding

Former ESPN host Cindy Brunson accused Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark of stat padding following her 37-point, 10-assist performance in a 113-90 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Brunson criticized Clark for remaining on the court late in the game while Indiana held a 20-point lead. She contrasted the outing with a 32-point performance by Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers against the Seattle Storm, sparking widespread backlash on social media before deleting her post.

"Miss me with that stat padding 37 points, on the floor up 20 w/ a minute to go BS. The 32 points in just 26 minutes was WAY more impressive from the ⭐ on the playoff team from the lone star state," posted Brunson on Threads.

The criticism followed a dominant second half where Clark scored 19 of her 37 points to secure Indiana's victory after Chicago tied the game in the third quarter. Indiana head coach Stephanie White kept the starting lineup on the floor late in the contest to prevent a comeback.

Prior to the game, Clark expressed full confidence in her scoring ability despite a demanding stretch of three games in four days.

"Before the game started, you can ask coach Steph," said Clark. "I said, 'It's gonna be one of those nights.'"

Clark credited her energy on the floor to getting proper rest prior to tip-off.

"I think I just got some really good sleep at the hotel last night from 3 am to 11 am, so I got nice hours, woke up, watched some film, went through the scout and came to play," stated Clark.

Following the win against Chicago, White noted that she was looking forward to a brief rest period before the team's next game against the Connecticut Sun.

Sitting next to her coach during the postgame media session, Clark pointed out that her schedule leaves little downtime due to international duties.

"We don't have a break," said Clark, "… which we're thankful for."

Clark, her teammate Aliyah Boston, and White are set to join Team USA for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin, Germany. The tournament takes place during the WNBA break from August 31 to September 16, with Team USA scheduled to open group play against China.

The controversy surrounding Brunson's comments reflects broader fan scrutiny over media coverage regarding Clark. Critics pointed out previous instances where media outlets omitted Clark from MVP discussions or downplayed her achievements, including becoming the fastest player to reach 600 career assists and setting league records for 30-point, 10-assist games.

Brunson later addressed the removal of her post, stating she deleted it due to receiving hostile comments. She subsequently defended other league performances on social media, including Angel Reese's 26-rebound game for the Chicago Sky.

"So impressive @Reese10Angel just broke a record that has stood since May of 2003 when Chamique Holdsclaw hauled in 24 rips for her Mystics vs the Shock. Reese finished w/ 26 rebounds, 18 on the defensive glass. So TUFF. #WNBA," posted Brunson this week.

When users questioned why margin of victory and playing time applied to Clark but not other players, Brunson argued the circumstances differed.

"It doesn’t matter who the competition is, she set not one, but two WNBA records tonight‼️ Plus, Smesko doesn’t use his bench much, esp w/ Bri Jones hurt. ALL of his starters were on the floor to end this game," Brunson wrote.

The Indiana Fever hold a playoff spot and will complete their upcoming schedule against the Connecticut Sun before players depart for the international tournament break.