Fever coach blasts officials after Caitlin Clark exits game with injury: ‘Utterly disrespectful’
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White criticized referees for missing two key fouls against star guard Caitlin Clark during a game against the Phoenix Mercury, calling the no-calls "absolutely unacceptable" and describing one incident as a "fist in the throat."
- Clark exited the game in the third quarter with a back injury and was ruled out for the remainder, snapping her WNBA record streak of six straight games with at least 20 points and five assists.
- White expressed frustration over inconsistent officiating, noting that Clark is not called the same way as other players and emphasizing the need for better protection of her star player.
- Despite Clark's injury, Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 30 points and seven 3-pointers, while Indiana allowed 100+ points for the seventh time this season and holds a WNBA record with four losses in games scoring at least 100 points.
- The Fever will next play the Los Angeles Sparks at home, with a subsequent week-long break before facing the Las Vegas Aces, and White stressed the team must be ready to compete without Clark if necessary.
