Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever faced a tough battle against the Minnesota Lynx during a high-stakes WNBA matchup on Friday, September 6. Despite Clark’s impressive performance, which included 25 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, the Fever couldn’t hold their ground, ultimately falling 88-99 on their home court in Indianapolis.
Indiana started strong, securing a five-point lead by halftime. However, the third quarter saw the Fever’s momentum wane as frustrations began to mount within the team.
Clark’s visible agitation was apparent as the Fever struggled, managing only 12 points in the third quarter. The All-Star rookie’s discontent with several officiating calls was palpable as she voiced her displeasure on the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Concerns about Clark’s conduct heightened, as she was at risk of receiving a technical foul. She has accumulated five technical fouls this season, and reaching seven would automatically result in a one-game suspension.
Following the game, Clark acknowledged her need to better manage her emotions during tense moments on the court.
“I felt like I got fouled a few times in the second half on my mid-range shots,” Clark said during the postgame press conference. “Sometimes calls go your way, sometimes they don’t. That’s just how it is. I think I settled a bit too much for those shots, but I felt some contact and was trying to draw fouls with shot-fakes. I know I need to do a better job controlling my emotions out there.”
Fever head coach Christie Sides explained that she benched Clark in the third quarter to prevent the risk of another technical foul.
“I was really worried she might get a technical in that third quarter, so I pulled her out, and thankfully, she didn’t get one,” Sides said, according to the IndyStar. “That’s part of her growth process. She needs to understand how to keep her cool in those moments. I need my point guard to stay composed and lead our offense.”
Clark is currently averaging 19.0 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game in her rookie season. Before the loss to the Lynx, she had achieved three straight games with at least 20 points and 10 assists. She also marked her second career WNBA triple-double in a recent win against the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Fever are set to take on the Atlanta Dream at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.
