Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has faced intense physicality in her first WNBA games, receiving controversial hard fouls and technical fouls in recent matchups.
Caitlin Clark, the highly touted rookie guard for the Indiana Fever, has encountered significant physicality in her first handful of WNBA games. The level of contact she has faced has been a hot topic of discussion, with Clark herself acknowledging that opponents have been more physical with her than with other players.
On Tuesday, Clark spoke out about the physicality she has experienced after the Fever lost to the Los Angeles Sparks. "I think everybody is physical with me, they get away with things that probably other people don't get away with," she said.
Clark's physicality was tested again on Saturday when she faced off against Chicago Sky guard Angel Reese for the first time in the WNBA. The highly anticipated matchup was marred by a controversial hard foul in the third quarter.
Sky guard Chennedy Carter made a basket and then shifted to defense, guarding Clark, who was attempting to get open to receive the inbound pass. However, Clark never touched the ball, as Carter delivered a shoulder check, which knocked the Fever star to the hardwood. Referees immediately assessed Carter with a foul.
Replays of the moment in question surfaced on social media, sparking outrage among fans and analysts. ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe called the play "a dirty hit," while former WNBA player and current analyst Chiney Ogwumike questioned Carter's intentions.
Clark went to the free throw line and spoke to ESPN once the quarter ended. "Yeah, that’s just not a basketball play," Clark said. "But you know, I’ve gotta play through it, that’s what basketball is about at this level. I thought we’ve been really physical, we’ve missed some bunnies around the rim, so hopefully those fall in the fourth."
Carter was asked about the entanglement after the game but declined to comment.
Earlier in the week, Clark had another physical encounter with Seattle Storm guard Victoria Vivian. Clark bumped into Vivian moments after making a three-pointer, and the two players started jawing at one another. Aaliyah Boston, last year's No. 1 WNBA Draft pick and Clark's teammate, eventually intervened. Clark received a technical foul for the incident.
The Fever went on to defeat the Sky 71-70 on Saturday, improving their record to 2-8. While Clark's physicality may be a challenge, she has shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity. She is averaging 14.9 points and 4.8 assists per game in her rookie season.
