Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are on a meteoric rise in the WNBA, inching ever closer to an unexpected playoff berth in Clark’s rookie season. But as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility—or in Clark’s case, a knack for getting into trouble with the league.
The Fever secured an 81-74 victory against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, nudging their record to a respectable 11-14. However, the grind of the WNBA seems to be getting under Clark’s skin—or perhaps, it’s getting into her elbows. The Rookie of the Year frontrunner picked up a technical foul for what can only be described as a cheeky slap at an opponent’s face, and the league’s disciplinarians are starting to take notice.
So, just how close is Caitlin Clark to earning a league-mandated timeout?
During Sunday’s game, Clark decided to channel her inner slapstick comedian, swinging at Lynx forward Cecilia Zandalasini after Zandalasini had the audacity to grab Clark’s arm. The result? A technical foul that marks Clark’s fourth of the season. A little math for you: three more techs and Clark will enjoy a one-game suspension alongside an $800 fine—enough to make anyone reconsider their life choices.
With 15 games remaining and Indiana sniffing their first playoff spot since 2016, keeping Clark on the court is crucial. She’s been a marvel of resilience, adjusting to the heightened physicality of the WNBA like a pro, but maybe it’s time for Fever coach Christie Sides to remind her star guard that sometimes, it’s better to be the bigger person—or at least avoid channeling your inner boxer.
For now, fans can only hope that Clark manages to keep her hands to herself and her game on point. After all, a playoff run with Clark would be far more exciting than seeing her serve time on the bench for bad behavior. But hey, in the unpredictable world of sports, who doesn’t love a little drama?
