​Collage featuring Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) rushes up the court Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in and USA-SPORT/. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWhen the Indiana Fever beat the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 96-77 on their home turf, much of the postgame reaction was expected to center on a momentum-fueling result for Stephanie White’s team.However, ESPN’s Monica McNutt sparked debate by criticizing the Lynx during the broadcast while undermining Indiana’s effort that put Minnesota in a tough spot in the first place.Monica McNutt Overlooking Caitlin Clark, Fever’s Impact During Lynx Rout Sparks BacklashDuring the blowout, McNutt offered a harsh critique of Minnesota’s uncharacteristic sloppiness in the first half. She attributed it to the Lynx’s lack of competitiveness rather than crediting Indiana’s defensive pressure.“The Lynx have not helped themselves at all, just flinging the basketball all over the place,” McNutt said.“This is a team you’re not accustomed to having turnovers; they’ve got 10 in this ball game … Whether it’s disoriented or whether it’s a bigger picture in terms of an organization that we’re accustomed to seeing in the playoffs, maybe punting on this one? … This looks a mess.”However, social media did not take this assessment kindly, as some sections of Indiana’s fanbase felt McNutt’s implication that Minnesota “punted” the game stripped the Fever of hard-earned credit.DON’T MISS:‘I Hate to Be a Debbie Downer…’ — Analyst Doubts Fever’s Title Chances Despite Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell’s Historic Run“ESPN needs to clean out these DEI hires,” one user remarked.“Monica McNutty needs to be fired. She is constantly being unprofessional with never giving the Fever credit, hating on Caitlin Clark, in addition to her racism,” another WNBA observer posted.“ESPN, please 🙏. We boycotting Monica McNutt,” a fan wrote.“She’s fasho Clark’s biggest hater,” one user asserted.This isn’t the first time McNutt has found herself in the crosshairs of Clark’s supporters. Earlier this season, she argued the Fever star needed more “accountability and self-awareness” regarding her role in the WNBA sisterhood.Weeks later, the WNBA rescinded Clark’s controversial technical foul for accidentally bumping a referee against the Chicago Sky, saving Clark from an automatic suspension. McNutt drew criticism for her reaction to the decision, recalling a college incident in which a teammate bumped into a coach, though she ultimately said rescinding the technical “was fine.”As far as Tuesday’s clash against Minnesota was concerned, Clark finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. Kelsey Mitchell provided the offensive complement with 20 points and 4 assists, while Aliyah Boston anchored the paint with 17 points and 7 rebounds.Against a Minnesota roster playing without Olivia Mile