Clark Leads Team To Victory Over Washington Mystics
The fierce and competitive side of Caitlin Clark was on full display Wednesday as she made waves both on and off the court. Clark's Indiana Fever fell to the Washington Mystics 89-84, but it was her intensity and fiery exchanges that grabbed headlines.
Clark finished the game with an impressive 29 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. However, it was her encounter with Washington Mystics guard Julie Vanloo that became the talk of the game. During the second quarter, Clark shoved Vanloo, an incident that went unnoticed by the referees who were focused on another tussle between the Fever’s Aliyah Boston and Washington center Stefanie Dolson.
Julie Vanloo and Caitlin Clark. pic.twitter.com/mvB3kG2kGs
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 10, 2024
The confrontation didn’t end there. Vanloo gestured at Clark, who responded with some choice words and a flopping gesture, highlighting the scrappy nature of the game. Later, Clark was called for an offensive foul when Washington guard Ariel Atkins took a fall. Clark didn’t hold back her frustration, yelling at the referee, “Don’t fall for that. You fell for it. She’s so soft,” as she sprinted back up the court.
Caitlin Clark gets called for another push off.
She tells the refs, “Don’t fall for that. You fell for it. She’s so soft”#WNBAtwitter pic.twitter.com/96dGH7uOR4
— HoopHer (@HoopHerSpeaks) July 10, 2024
Despite the intense moments, Clark had her share of highlights. One notable play featured a stunning behind-the-back pass to NaLyssa Smith, who converted it into a layup. The commentator could only marvel, “My goodness. That is beautiful.”
Clark is not only focused on pushing the Fever into the WNBA playoffs but is also in a heated battle with the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese for the WNBA Rookie of the Year honors. According to an Associated Press report, nine out of fifteen voters currently support Clark, while five back Reese, and one voter remains undecided.
CAITLIN CLARK BEHIND THE BACK TO NALYSSA SMITH
15 minutes left and the rookie has already notched another double double#WNBA pic.twitter.com/akJeetpGIH
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) July 10, 2024
“Today, I would say Clark, only because they have one more win overall as a team and have a 2-1 lead head-to-head,” said Christy Winters-Scott, a basketball analyst for the Mystics. Winters-Scott noted that this could change as the WNBA season progresses, adding, “It has been a complete joy for me to witness how both players have evolved as professionals in such a short amount of time in the league.”