In one of the wildest twists on WNBA and NCAA social media this week, a fake statline claiming to show Paige Bueckers outperforming Caitlin Clark went viral — and Caitlin Clark’s critics ran with it. The problem? It wasn’t real.

The misinformation quickly ignited heated debates online, with fans using the made-up numbers to declare Bueckers the “true” generational talent over Clark. But once the truth came out, it exposed just how far some are willing to go to discredit the Indiana Fever rookie and NCAA record-holder.

The Fake Statline That Sparked It All

A Twitter (X) account with thousands of followers posted a graphic showing an inflated and completely fabricated statline for UConn star Paige Bueckers in a supposed “head-to-head” comparison with Caitlin Clark. The graphic showed Bueckers with 35 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds — numbers she never posted in that context.

Clark’s haters quickly jumped on the post, using it as “proof” that Bueckers is more clutch, more efficient, and “better all around.”

“This is what elite looks like,” one user wrote.
“Caitlin’s just hype. Paige actually gets it done.”

The tweet amassed thousands of shares before fact-checkers and fans exposed the deception.

Why This Matters: The Double Standard Against Clark

This isn’t the first time Clark has faced intense scrutiny despite her record-shattering college career and impressive WNBA debut. From criticism over her popularity, to debates over her media coverage, Caitlin Clark has become a lightning rod in the basketball world.

Critics often hold her to higher standards than her peers — and the fake statline incident revealed just how eager some are to bring her down, even if it means relying on misinformation.

The Reality: Both Stars Can Shine

What’s being lost in the noise is that Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark are both incredible athletes. Their styles are different, their journeys unique — but both deserve respect for what they’ve accomplished and what they continue to bring to women’s basketball.

Pitting them against each other with false stats not only disrespects both players — it also distracts from the larger momentum the women’s game is building.

Social Media’s Role in Fan Division

The fake statline incident is another reminder of how easily misinformation spreads — and how sports narratives can quickly spiral into toxic rivalries. Rather than fueling fanbases through lies, media and fans alike should focus on lifting up the sport as a whole.

Final Thoughts

Caitlin Clark’s haters fell hard for a fake narrative — but the truth always catches up. As Clark continues to thrive in the WNBA spotlight and Paige Bueckers prepares for a strong college season, let’s remember: the game is big enough for both stars.

No need to crown one by tearing the other down — especially with fake stats.