Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve appeared to scoff at questions about snubbed Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark during Thursday's game against the Fever, saying she's "wearing Lynx" and dismissed the idea of a pro-Fever crowd.
As the Minnesota Lynx faced off against the Indiana Fever on Thursday, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve found herself fielding questions about Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, who was surprisingly snubbed from the USA Basketball women's Olympic roster. Reeve, who serves as the head coach of the national team, had come under fire for leaving Clark off the roster despite her impressive collegiate career and promising start in the WNBA.
ESPN's Myron Medcalf approached Reeve during the game and asked her about the possibility of Clark playing on future national teams. Reeve's response was curt and dismissive.
Lynx Coach Scoffs at Questions About Snubbed UNC Guard
"Why the hell would I answer a national team question?" Reeve said. "I'm wearing Lynx. And I'm the head coach of the national team, but I'm not the chair of the committee. Anybody want to venture into anything else?"
Reeve's response reflects her focus on her current team and her reluctance to engage in speculation about future national team rosters. She is well aware of the criticism she has faced for leaving Clark off the Olympic team, but she is not allowing it to distract her from her duties with the Lynx.
Lynx Coach Scoffs at Questions About Snubbed UNC Guard
Medcalf also asked Reeve about the possibility of a pro-Fever crowd at Target Center, given Clark's popularity in the state of Indiana. Reeve downplayed the significance of this factor.
"I don't give two s--ts," she said.
Lynx Coach Scoffs at Questions About Snubbed UNC Guard
"I don't' give one s--t," she then added.
Reeve's comments underscore her determination to stay focused on the game at hand and to block out any distractions. She is confident in her team's ability to perform, regardless of the crowd's allegiances.
The Lynx entered the game with a 16-7 record and were in third place in the WNBA standings. The Fever, after a win over the Phoenix Mercury, improved to 10-14. Indiana entered Sunday's matchup seventh in the standings.
Despite the Fever's recent success, Reeve is not taking them lightly. She knows that Clark is a talented player who can impact the game in a variety of ways. She will need her Lynx players to be ready for a tough challenge.
The game between the Lynx and Fever is set to tip off at 7 p.m. CT at Target Center.
