During the initial quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, a brief confrontation erupted between Mavericks forward P.J. Washington and Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis. As Porzingis tried to establish position in the post, Washington forcefully knocked the Boston forward to the floor, leading to a brief face-off between the two.
Despite the tension, Burke lightened the mood with a timely reference to recent discussions involving Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.
Here’s how Burke showcased her comedic talent during Game 5.
P.J. Washington, Kristaps Porzingis Tussle Prompts Doris Burke’s Caitlin Clark Quip
As the ABC broadcast replayed the incident between Porzingis and Washington, Burke’s witty remark perfectly captured the moment.
“If that were Caitlin Clark, it might spark a debate for a week,” Burke remarked during the broadcast.
A common foul was assessed to Washington, and though some heated words were exchanged, play quickly resumed.
Burke’s comment alluded to the recent debates surrounding Clark, who had been on the receiving end of multiple flagrant fouls, most notably from Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.
Clark acknowledged that Reese was attempting a legitimate basketball play, but several sports commentators questioned Reese’s intent. Former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart even suggested that Reese should be suspended for her actions.
Reese’s attempt to block Clark’s shot missed, resulting in a blow to Clark’s head. The foul was ruled a flagrant penalty-1, leading to free throws and possession of the ball but no additional penalties, including suspension.
This marked the second instance within weeks where Clark was the target of a flagrant foul, having previously been hip-checked by Sky guard Chennedy Carter, who was later penalized with a flagrant foul penalty-1.
Burke’s jest not only commented on the nature of fouls in the game but also highlighted the parallels between the incident with Washington and Porzingis and the ongoing situation with Clark, underscoring how such fouls are part of the game.
Nonetheless, it’s unlikely that Washington’s foul will generate further discussion, whereas Reese’s foul on Clark is expected to remain a contentious topic until the Fever and Sky face off again.