If you’ve been following the WNBA, you might have noticed the buzz around Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 draft pick for the Indiana Fever. If not, let’s catch you up on the drama that’s been unfolding on the court and what it means for the league.
Recently, Clark has been taking quite a beating during games, and it’s been raising eyebrows. This all came to a head during a heated match against the Chicago Sky, where Clark found herself on the receiving end of a rough foul. But this time, her teammate Kristy Wallace was quick to step in, getting into it with the Sky’s Dana Evans to defend Clark.
For some context, this isn’t the first time Clark has faced physical play. During a June 1 game, Sky guard Chennedy Carter committed an off-ball foul against Clark, sparking a broader debate about why her teammates didn’t come to her aid. The lack of immediate support had many questioning the dynamics within the Fever team.
However, things seem to be changing. In Saturday’s game, after a tough drive to the basket by Clark, Evans decided to get physical. But this time, Wallace and the rest of the Fever were right there to back her up. It’s a sign that the team is rallying around their star rookie, ensuring she doesn’t have to face these challenges alone.
Caitlin Clark gets tangled up with Dana Evans pic.twitter.com/uD8PPoS546
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 16, 2024
The WNBA has been under scrutiny for inconsistent officiating, especially when it comes to protecting marquee players like Clark. Saturday’s game was marred by several hard fouls, including one by Chicago rookie Angel Reese on Clark, adding fuel to the fire of this ongoing rivalry.
Despite these rough plays, Clark had the last laugh. She hit a crucial late-game 3-pointer, leading the Fever to a 91-83 victory. While some might admire Evans’ competitive spirit, others criticize her for not even attempting to play the ball during the foul.
Clark’s rise in the WNBA hasn’t been without its challenges. She’s clearly being targeted by established players, a fact that’s hard to ignore. These aggressive tactics against her have cast a shadow over an otherwise promising season for the league. This kind of press isn’t what women’s basketball needs right now, especially as it seeks to grow its audience and support.
The rivalry between Clark and Reese, which dates back to their college days, is intensifying. During the recent game, Reese committed a hard foul on Clark, and post-game, she didn’t hold back. In a press conference, Reese suggested that referees favor Clark, implying a bias against her team. She even accused the media of being part of an anti-Sky conspiracy.
In stark contrast, Clark took the high road. When asked about Reese, she praised her rival’s impact on the game, acknowledging her accomplishments and the fan base she’s built. Clark’s graciousness highlights her maturity and focus on the bigger picture: the growth and popularity of women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark on why a lot of people watch her and Angel Reese play:
“I think what she’s [Reese] has done with her platform has been absolutely incredible. She has an entire fanbase that has supported her and what she did at Maryland and then LSU. Obviously, l’ve played her… pic.twitter.com/kYYGY1rRaE
— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@VanshayM) June 16, 2024
Clark emphasized the positive impact of their rivalry, noting that it draws more fans to the WNBA and showcases the league’s talent. Her perspective is that of a true sportswoman, understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats.
