The Indiana Fever’s common season bought off to a gradual begin, however the group has lately turned issues round. Indiana defeated the hapless Washington Mystics on Wednesday to enhance to 6-10.
Star rookie Caitlin Clark completed the sport with 18 factors and 6 assists. She additionally recorded 4 steals, however debates over the sport’s officiating took heart stage.
Some observers took challenge with the referees over their choice to not name a foul after a Mystics participant appeared to whack Clark as she was driving towards the basket and going for a layup.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
During the play in query, Mystics heart Stefanie Dolson reached out in an obvious try to dam the shot. However, Dolson made contact with Clark’s arm because the ball was knocked from Clark’s hand.
Some followers argued that Dolson dedicated a foul as a result of Clark’s layup try was negatively impacted by the contact.
“As a brand new watcher of the @WNBA it appears they’ve a extreme refereeing downside. I believe even @WWE refs would have caught this one,” one fan wrote on X.
CAITLIN CLARK RECEIVES ADVICE FROM WORLD SERIES CHAMP AMID RISING FAME, JEALOUSY TOWARD HER
“Badly missed name by @WNBA officers; this occurs too typically, to many gamers,” one other particular person recommended.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, drives to the basket through the first half of a sport towards the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Clark being on the receiving finish of exhausting fouls has been extensively debated all through the WNBA season.
Last month, Clark addressed the extent of physicality she confronted within the early portion of her skilled basketball profession.
“I believe all people is bodily with me. They get away with issues that in all probability different individuals do not get away with,” Clark stated on May 28 after the Fever dropped a sport to the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Fever-Sky matchup on June 1 was marred by a controversial foul. Sky guard Chennedy Carter made a basket late within the third quarter. She then shifted to protection and started guarding Clark, who was trying to get open to obtain an inbound move.
Clark by no means touched the ball as Carter delivered a shoulder test, which knocked the Fever star to the hardwood. Referees instantly referred to as a foul on Carter.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, drives to the basket towards Karlie Samuelson, #44 of the Washington Mystics, throughout a sport at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“Yeah, that’s simply not a basketball play,” Clark instructed ESPN on the finish of the third quarter. “But you recognize, I’ve gotta play by means of it, that’s what basketball is about at this degree. I assumed we’ve been actually bodily, we’ve missed some bunnies across the rim, so hopefully these fall within the fourth.”
The subsequent day, the WNBA decided that Carter’s foul towards Clark was a flagrant-1 violation after reviewing the play.
This previous Saturday, Angel Reese was referred to as for a flagrant foul after she hit Clark within the head throughout a layup try. Reese stated the foul was a standard a part of basketball video games.
“A basketball play. It was a basketball play,” Reese stated. “I am unable to management the refs. They affected the sport clearly rather a lot tonight.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Clark reiterated Reese’s level after the sport, saying she believed it was merely a basketball play.
“Just part of basketball. It is what it’s. Just attempting to make a play on the ball and get the block. It occurs,” Clark stated to reporters.
Clark is averaging 16.3 factors and 6.2 assists by means of 16 video games this season.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle e-newsletter.
