Caitlin Clark smacked in the face by WNBA legend after getting foul that could trigger fine in big win
Caitlin Clark took a blow to the face, received a technical foul that could have led to a hefty fine, and still came away with the victory and first place in the Eastern Conference on Saturday.
Early in the first quarter of the Fever’s 108-88 win over the New York Liberty, Clark was called for a technical foul after running full speed into Jonquel Jones’ hard screen.
The play was not called illegal by the referees, but Clark fell to the ground and immediately vented his frustration to the nearest referee. The technical was assessed just 90 seconds into the game and was Clark’s sixth of the 2026 season.
CAITLIN CLARK HARD COMMUNICATION TIMELINE: THE WNBA’S GROWING HISTORY OF BRUTAL HITCHES AGAINST THE FACE OF SPORTS
Fever head coach Stephanie White said she did not seek an explanation from officials about the call to Clark or the failure to make the call on the screen.
“There should be conversations to make sure we’re being strategic in using our technical fouls,” White said.
The $1,000 fine that comes with the technology puts the two out of automatic one-game suspension under WNBA rules.
Later in the game, during a defensive contest near the basket, New York’s Breanna Stewart extended her arm while trying to shoot. Replays showed Stewart’s hand made clear contact with the side of Clark’s face. No fouls were called on the play and Stewart was not publicly assessed or reviewed for it.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark makes a basket against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Saturday. Fever beat Liberty 108-88. (Grace Smith/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
CAITLIN CLARK WANTS FULL-TIME WNBA REFEREES IN 2026 AS OFFICIAL FAILURES INCREASE
The game created controversy on social media.
Clark was not available to reporters after the game to discuss either play.
Despite early technical and physical contact, Clark and the Fever responded with a dominant performance.
Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark #22 dribbles during a game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 18, 2026. (Pepper Robinson/NBAE via Getty Images)
Indiana rallied from a 13-point deficit in the first half after a great night from Kelsey Mitchell, who scored 33 points. Clark finished the game with 17 points and 7 assists, helping the Fever take a convincing 20-point lead in the second half.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
The win improved the Fever to 16-10 and moved them into first place in the Eastern Conference standings heading into the second half of the season.
Indiana will look to build on the momentum when it returns to play against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday this week.
