Caitlin Clark addressed her on-court incident with Angel Reese during the Indiana Fever’s win over the Chicago Sky. She clarified that her actions were not intended to harm.
Clark achieved her third career triple-double, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and providing 10 assists. The Fever dominated their opponents with a 93-58 victory in the WNBA season opener.
During the third quarter, Clark was involved in a controversial moment. She committed a hard foul on Reese’s arm, which was later upgraded to a flagrant one due to unnecessary contact. Reese fell to the floor and confronted Clark, leading to an exchange of words before they were separated.
“Let’s not make it anything it’s not,” Clark stated regarding the altercation. She expressed uncertainty about why the referees upgraded the foul but acknowledged it was their decision after reviewing the play. “It’s a take foul to put them at the free throw line rather than give up two points,” she explained, emphasizing there was no malicious intent.
Saturday also marked Stephanie White’s return as head coach for her second stint with the team. White rejoined in November after leaving the Connecticut Sun. “I am proud of this group,” she said, highlighting the blend of young talent and experienced players on her roster.
White emphasized that opponents would find it challenging against them due to their strong defensive approach. “Nobody’s going to get anything easy against us; we’re going to be a tough defensive team,” she asserted, indicating that teams will feel their presence on the court.
The game showcased both individual brilliance and team strategy as Clark’s performance and White’s leadership set a promising tone for the season ahead. The Fever’s decisive victory underscored their potential as formidable contenders in this year’s WNBA campaign.