Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was playing with fire against the Minnesota Lynx.
The Indiana Fever got off to a hot start against the Minnesota Lynx at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 6, entering halftime up 50-45. However, the Lynx went on a 7-0 run to start the second half and the Fever never regained the lead.
Indiana’s five-game win streak came to screeching halt during their 99-88 loss to Minnesota. The Fever have lost just two games since the Olympic break, both coming against the Lynx.
During the second half, Fever guard Caitlin Clark grew visibly frustrated with the ref’s calls and no-calls. SB Nation’s Jacob Rude posted, “That’s a first. Fever fans booed the ref after an offensive foul and Caitlin Clark implored the fans to get louder with the boos.”
After finally getting a foul in the third quarter, Clark walked around the court sarcastically giving the refs a round of applause. Clark, who already has five technical fouls on the season, is two away from a one-game suspension, and fans grew worried that the rookie’s actions could lead to her sixth.
The Athletic’s James Boyd posted at the end of the third quarter, “I thought Caitlin Clark was gonna get T’d up on a few occasions while arguing with the refs.”
One fan begged, “Calm down Caitlin Clark! We don’t need a technical!” Another person commented, “Caitlin Clark begging for a tech Chill CC I got my Fever Dream ticket.” One viewer posted, “Caitlin clark can get very hot headed some times, shocked she didn’t get a tech somewhere there… don’t hurt me just being honest.”
The Fever (18-17) have five more regular season games before the playoffs start. Losing Clark for even one matchup would be a devastating turn of events as Indiana fights for higher seeding. Much to fans’ relief, the 22-year-old ultimately avoided getting her sixth technical against the Lynx.
Clark finished against the Lynx with a team-high 25 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists. The rookie phenom and the Fever have a day to shake off this loss before facing the Atlanta Dream on September 8.
