Indiana Fever rookie phenom Caitlin Clark has been the victim of multiple hard fouls this season, including a pick from Connecticut Sun's Alyssa Thomas on Wednesday night.
Indiana Fever rookie phenom Caitlin Clark has had her fair share of bumps and bruises throughout her first WNBA campaign. On Wednesday night, she was roughed up a bit against the Connecticut Sun.
In the third quarter, Clark was trying to chase a Sun player when Connecticut center Alyssa Thomas laid her out with a pick on the perimeter. Clark hit the court hard after making contact with Thomas' right shoulder.
Caitlin Clark Continues to Face Rough Play in WNBA Rookie Season
The whistle was quickly blown for an offensive foul on Thomas, but that's all it was, a common foul. Clark has been the victim of flagrant fouls this season, both of which came against the Chicago Sky.
The first was a check from Chennedy Carter, which made headlines in early June. Carter knocked Clark to the floor, and though it was initially called a common foul, the WNBA upgraded it to a flagrant foul.
Caitlin Clark Continues to Face Rough Play in WNBA Rookie Season
Carter defended it after the game, calling it a "basketball play."
Then Carter's teammate, Angel Reese, another rookie star, hit Clark in the head on a block attempt in a different matchup with the Fever this season. Clark, again, hit the deck with force, and Reese was called for a flagrant foul after a review.
Caitlin Clark Continues to Face Rough Play in WNBA Rookie Season
Like Carter, Reese said she was just making a basketball play.
Clark broke the WNBA rookie single-season record for 3-pointers in the first quarter Wednesday, hitting a stepback 26-footer over DiJonai Carrington for her first basket of the game.
While Clark has been busting through WNBA rookie records this season, the Fever collected a tough win over the Sun, 84-80.
Indiana is 15-16, sitting in seventh place overall in the WNBA standings.
Clark's toughness and resilience have been on display throughout her rookie season. Despite being the target of hard fouls, she has continued to put up impressive numbers and lead her team to victories.
The Fever will look to continue their winning ways when they take on the Dallas Wings on Friday night.
Clark's ability to shake off the physical challenges and continue to play at a high level is a testament to her character and determination. She is a rising star in the WNBA and is sure to have a long and successful career.
