Adjusting to life in the WNBA has been hard at times for Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft knew there would be challenges after her historic career collegiately at Iowa to overcome. But, the team is not happy with the way she has been treated in some games.
Saturday should have been a joyous time for the Indiana Fever. They secured their first home win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and second overall of the season. It was another big matchup, as Caitlin Clark was facing off against her collegiate rival, Angel Reese, for the first time as professionals.
In what was a great game, as Indiana came away with a 71-70 win, most of the talk has focused on an unnecessary foul by Chicago Sky reserve center Chennedy Carter. Carter scored 19 points off the bench, but her shoulder block against Caitlin Clark is all anyone will remember from the performance.
Late in the third quarter, on an inbound play, Carter hit Caitlin Clark hard from behind. Despite the nature of the play, it was not reviewed by the referee crew and Carter was assessed a common foul for an away-from-the-ball play.
On Sunday, the play was upgraded to a Flagrant-1 after the league reviewed it. Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides was less than thrilled about it. “When will the consistent complaints be heard?!? Something has to be done,” Sides said, calling the foul unacceptable on social media.
This isn’t the first time that a player has gotten physical with Caitlin Clark, looking to knock her off her game. But, she hasn’t let it bother her, as she is taking it in stride and focusing on improving on the court.
“It is what it is. I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate. … I’m trying not to let it bother me.”
Caitlin Clark, despite being a rookie, as has big of a target on her back as any player in the WNBA. There are some veterans who certainly feel a way about the attention she is getting and want to make her earn her stripes as a pro.
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