Caitlin Clark had a standout performance in the WNBA season opener on Saturday, achieving her third career triple-double as the Indiana Fever triumphed over the Chicago Sky with a dominant score of 93-58. Clark posted a game-high 20 points, in addition to 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while also contributing a career-high four blocks.
The game was marked by a notable incident when Clark received a flagrant foul for a hard shove on rival Angel Reese during the third quarter. The altercation occurred when Reese grabbed an offensive rebound and was driving towards the basket, only to be knocked to the ground by Clark’s contact. This sparked a brief confrontation, which was diffused by teammates, leading to both players receiving technical fouls along with Aliyah Boston of the Fever.
In the aftermath, Clark downplayed the foul, describing it as just a competitive play. “It’s a take foul, to put them at the free throw line. I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. That’s not the type of player I am,” she commented. Her new head coach, Stephanie White, echoed this sentiment, asserting the team’s commitment to aggressive defense.
Reese, who scored 12 points and secured 17 rebounds, chose to move past the incident, stating it was a basketball play and expressing that the referees got it right. The tension between the two players, stemming from their past encounters in college basketball, has added an intriguing layer to their rivalry as they continue to face off in the professional arena.
In addition to Clark’s performance, Aliyah Boston contributed 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Fever, while Dewanna Bonner made headlines by scoring seven points, which elevated her to third place on the WNBA’s all-time leading scorers’ list with 7,489 points. Bonner expressed her emotions about reaching this milestone, emphasizing the significance of the moment in her career.
The Fever’s victory marked a significant opening to the new season, with a 35-point margin that ranks as one of the largest in franchise history. It sets a hopeful tone for the team moving forward, where they aim to build on this momentum. The chemistry and energy displayed, particularly by Clark, could be indicative of an exciting season ahead for the Fever and their loyal fanbase.