During an ESPN broadcast of the Indiana Fever-Las Vegas Aces game on Sunday, analyst Rebecca Lobo made a remark that sparked controversy and led to an awkward silence. Lobo’s statement, ‘That’s what makes America great,’ came in response to a foul call she disagreed with. The moment was marked by a prolonged silence before she realized her comment was inappropriate and rephrased it.
The incident occurred during the final minutes of the Aces’ 89-81 win over the Fever. Lobo’s remark was met with a long silence from her co-host, Pam Ward, who prompted her to rephrase the statement, leading to a moment of tension on air. The episode highlights the sensitivity of political commentary in sports broadcasts and the potential for such remarks to create an awkward atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the game itself saw Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, struggle with her shooting from the three-point line, going 1-for-10 in the game after a previous 0-for-7 performance. Despite her efforts, the Fever were unable to secure a victory as the Aces’ star players, including A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, dominated the fourth quarter to secure the win. The Aces’ performance in the final period was crucial in their 89-81 victory, outscoring the Fever 31-20 in the final 12 minutes of the game.
Aliyah Boston, the game’s leading scorer, contributed 26 points to the Fever, while Kelsey Mitchell played a pivotal role in keeping Indiana in the game, scoring 20 points, including a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 69-69 with five minutes remaining. However, the Aces’ strong finish in the fourth quarter ensured their victory, highlighting the importance of late-game performance in close games. The game was the third of a four-game road trip for the Fever, following a loss to the Golden State Valkyries and a loss to the Aces.
The win for the Aces not only secured a victory in the rivalry with the Fever but also highlighted the rising star power of their roster, with A’ja Wilson leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Fever continue their season with a game against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday before returning home to take on the Las Vegas Aces again in a rematch, setting up a crucial series for both teams. The game was a reminder of the high stakes and intensity of WNBA play, where every point matters and every game is a chance to make a statement.