Fever Haters Are USING NaLyssa Smith’s Championship as Some “Gotcha” Moment — But They’re Missing the Point Entirely

Just days after NaLyssa Smith helped her overseas team capture a championship title, social media exploded — but not entirely in celebration. Instead, a surprising number of WNBA critics and Fever “haters” have twisted Smith’s success into a strange, almost spiteful narrative aimed directly at Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

The argument? That Smith winning a title abroad somehow proves the Fever “never needed” Clark — or worse, that Smith’s success without her teammate exposes dysfunction inside the Indiana locker room. It’s a classic case of internet hot takes missing the entire picture.

NaLyssa Smith’s international success should be a positive story — a reflection of her hard work, development, and determination to grow as a player during the offseason. Yet somehow, it’s being turned into a “gotcha moment” in the ongoing culture war between WNBA fans who either support or resent Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise.

Let’s be clear: Smith’s championship doesn’t “disprove” Clark’s impact. If anything, it underscores how talented the Fever roster really is — a young, hungry, and evolving core still learning how to win consistently. Smith’s skill, athleticism, and resilience have always been her strengths. Now, after earning hardware overseas, she’s poised to bring that same energy back to Indiana.

Unfortunately, the online narrative has been anything but supportive. Viral posts across X (formerly Twitter) show people using Smith’s win as “evidence” that the Fever’s problems start and end with Clark — a lazy take that ignores how team chemistry, coaching, and growth take time. The irony is that NaLyssa herself has never shown any hostility toward Caitlin Clark. In fact, she’s praised Clark’s work ethic multiple times and spoken about how the Fever are building toward something bigger than individual stats or social media noise.

One ESPN commentator put it perfectly: “Smith’s success overseas doesn’t divide the Fever — it enhances them. This is the kind of development championship teams need. Turning it into some anti-Clark message is childish.”

Fans of the Fever have echoed the same sentiment, flooding Smith’s social media with messages of congratulations while pushing back against the negativity. The general consensus among real basketball followers? Winning anywhere is winning everywhere. And Smith’s championship is a win for the entire Fever organization.

Even Caitlin Clark’s supporters have celebrated the achievement, pointing out that her rookie season and Smith’s overseas success are both parts of a larger story — the rebirth of Indiana basketball.

But the haters, as always, can’t resist stirring the pot. They’ve used Smith’s moment to create yet another divisive headline, proving once again that for some, drama outweighs the game itself.

Still, Smith’s response says it all. In a brief post-game interview overseas, she smiled and said, “I’m just proud to grow. Everything I do, I bring back home to Indiana.” No digs. No shade. Just focus.

That’s what champions do. And as the Fever prepare for next season, fans should remember that both NaLyssa Smith and Caitlin Clark want the same thing — to win, together.

Because while the haters are busy arguing online, the real ones are getting better — one championship at a time.