A friendly rivalry fuels Fever’s post-practice half-court chaos.
Fever’s Lexie Hull Hates It When Caitlin Clark Wins and Does This originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Indiana Fever practices can get competitive long after the drills and set plays are over. That’s when the half-court shot contests start, a tradition built less on tactical preparation and more on bragging rights.
Players gather, take their turns and keep score in more than just makes and misses. The real scoreboard is the post-shot banter, at least going by Caitlin Clark's reactions after she connects.
Clark, now in her second WNBA season after a record-breaking rookie campaign in 2024, often delivers from midcourt, and when she does connect, it becomes an event.
One win in June sparked a scene worthy of a championship clincher. Clark yanked off her practice jersey, twirled it over her head and jogged out of the gym to a chorus of playful boos from her teammates.
Lexie Hull’s Playful Frustration with Clark’s Celebrations
Lexie Hull, a fourth-year guard known for her defensive grit and steady shooting, admits she has one pet peeve in these contests.
“I hate when Caitlin makes it because she just gloats about it way too much for me,” Hull told Ben Pickman of The Athletic, laughing. The line between camaraderie and competition blurs during these moments, with Clark’s rare half-court swishes becoming instant talking points.
Around the WNBA (all but one) team finishes shootaround in the same way: a half-court shooting contest.
— Ben Pickman (@benpickman) August 11, 2025
There are stakes & lots of trash-talk. On the best, funniest, worst, and history of the beloved tradition, with stories about A'ja, SAB, CC and morehttps://t.co/PKRrU1bdMc
Hull’s comments speak to the dynamic within the Fever locker room. While Clark’s outside-the-arc game draws defenders in real competition, these midcourt matchups are a chance for teammates to poke fun and keep the mood light.
It’s part of the team chemistry that has been building since Clark’s rookie year, a mix of mutual respect and friendly rivalry.
A Friendship Built on Competition
Hull and Clark have developed a strong bond since Clark entered the league last season. They’ve been paired in countless drills, shared postgame laughs — and pushed each other in practice.
That connection shows in how they handle these contests. Hull rolling her eyes with a smile, Clark leaning into the moment like it’s a prime-time game-winner.
For a Fever team trying to climb the WNBA standings, that balance of intensity and levity matters.
The grind of the season demands both serious preparation and moments that remind players why they love the game. In Indiana’s gym, a half-court heave can do both.
The Fever still have work ahead in their playoff push. They are tied for the league's fifth-best record at 18-14, but expect these contests to keep going, with Clark looking for her next big celebration and Hull ready to offer her next good-natured critique.
Related: WNBA Stars Must ‘Kiss the Ground’ for Caitlin Clark, Says Celtics Legend
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
