The Indiana Fever kept the foot on the gas after an impressive comeback win over the Seattle Storm with a blowout win over the New York Liberty.
Caitlin Clark followed her career-best performance by dropping 17 points and seven dimes, but it wasn’t all good for the former No. 1 pick. Clark picked up her sixth technical foul early in the game, and while that only leads to a hefty fine, she’s now just two technicals away from an automatic one-game suspension.
That’s why, following the game, Fever coach Stephanie White acknowledged that she’s already discussed that at length with Clark, adding that she will continue to push her to tone down the complaints and antics a bit.
Caitlin Clark has to be careful with her technical fouls
“I didn’t ask for an explanation,” White said, per James Boyd of The Athletic. “You know, I think there was a reaction probably after a call or no call. I don’t remember exactly at that moment. But yeah, I mean, certainly there are conversations, you know, and there have to be conversations. It’s a long season. And then, you know, certainly after you get to the 8, I don’t know what it is. What is it like every 2? Every 2 after that. So making sure that we’re strategic in using our technical fouls.”
Clark has been unapologetic about her technical fouls and constant complaining to the referees. She has repeatedly called them out and urged them to do better, and she’s said she won’t stop being an emotional competitor every time she’s on the court.
Be it as it may, the Fever are counting on her to lead the way. As the face of the franchise and one of the faces of the WNBA, she also has a responsibility. It’s been a roller coaster of a season for Clark. Injuries, never-ending controversy and inconsistent shooting have thrown a wrench in her MVP aspirations.
Still, there’s plenty of basketball to be played, and she’s already proved that she can be one of the most impactful players in the game when she’s locked in. Now, it’s all about ensuring she actually gets to play and doesn’t miss a game because of this issue.