Bri Lewerke on X: "From Caitlin Clark's old coach to her new one 🥹📸 Lisa  Bluder x Christie Sides https://t.co/aJxkclnQ6s" / X

Lisa Bluder, former coach of Caitlin Clark, sparked controversy with her recent statement, suggesting that Clark couldn’t achieve what Christie Sides did at Iowa. This assertion garnered mixed reactions, with many speculating that Bluder was deliberately targeting Sides. However, at the Fever and Liberty match yesterday, Bluder warmly greeted Sides and “entrusted” her beloved student, Caitlin Clark, to her. This gesture seemed to “dispel” the previous doubts of fans who suspected Bluder of intentionally “targeting” Christie.

Bluder’s statement stirred debate within the basketball community, particularly among fans of Clark and Sides. Some interpreted it as a slight against Clark’s abilities, while others saw it as a strategic move to motivate her. However, Bluder’s actions at the recent match painted a different picture, suggesting a possible reconciliation between the parties involved.

The exchange between Bluder, Clark, and Sides at the match demonstrated a cordial relationship, contradicting the assumptions of those who believed Bluder had ulterior motives. By “entrusting” Clark to Sides, Bluder may have been extending an olive branch, acknowledging Sides’ achievements while reaffirming her support for Clark.

While Bluder’s initial statement may have been misconstrued, her actions speak volumes about her intentions. It’s possible that she was misunderstood or misrepresented in the media, and her gesture at the match serves as a clarification of her true feelings.

As the basketball community reflects on Bluder’s statement and subsequent actions, it’s important to consider the context and motivations behind them. Whether it was a genuine expression of support or a strategic maneuver, Bluder’s involvement in the careers of both Clark and Sides continues to be a subject of interest and debate.