Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever scored back-to-back wins after routing the Dallas Wings, 102-83, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Sunday. The game had heavy buzz since it was the first meeting between Clark and Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, the last two top overall picks in the WNBA.
Fans wanted to see the two dynamic guards with similar playing styles go at it. But the Fever proved to be too much and made it a one-sided affair. Still, that didn’t mean Clark didn’t experience the physical defense of the Wings.
Physical Play Against Caitlin Clark
It was Clark’s third game back after her groin injury, which sidelined her for five straight games. She was still under minutes restriction and played only 25 minutes. Fortunately for the Fever, she didn’t have to extend herself since they blew the game wide open early on.
They exploded for 64 points in the first two quarters—the most in a half by any team this season, according to the Associated Press.
The Wings played physical with the 23-year-old Clark, roughhousing her several times. WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo, who called the game for ESPN, expressed disbelief that the referees allowed Dallas to get so aggressive. At one point, Wings guard JJ Quinerly repeatedly grabbed Clark during a pick-and-roll, but the officials didn’t call a foul.
“There’s a grab, there’s a hold. There’s another grab. I mean, all of those are fouls. Every single one of them,” said Lobo in frustration.
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Clark was repeatedly hacked by Quinerly in another play as she was trying to drive to the lane. Finally, this time, the whistle blew. The Fever guard finished with a double-double of 14 points and 13 assists on top of a career-high-tying five steals. Indiana improved to 11-10.
Fans Not Happy With How Caitlin Clark Is Being Officiated
While Clark didn’t say anything about the officiating after the game, the same cannot be said for fans.
They did not hold back in blasting the referees and the WNBA, accusing them of allowing defenders to get too close to Clark.
“@WNBA desperately needs to implement merit-based hiring/scheduling processes for their refs. She is being ref’d differently. It’s beyond ridiculous at this point,” said mw66896684.
@WNBA desperately need to implement merit based hiring/scheduling processes for their refs. She is being ref'd differently. It's beyond ridiculous at this point.
— NashvilleHawk (@mw66896684) July 13, 2025
“The @WNBA actively trying to undermine the best player/ticket in the league @CaitlinClark22 is certainly a choice,” added @SanjayNarayan.
The @WNBA actively trying to undermine the best player / ticket in the league @CaitlinClark22 is certainly a choice.
— Sanjay Narayan (@SanjayNarayan) July 13, 2025
“It’s actually criminal how awful the @WNBA refs are,” wrote @nbbb2385.
It's actually criminal how awful the @WNBA refs are.
— Nick (@nbbb2385) July 13, 2025
“The refs at it again!” echoed @psiddiqshow.
The refs at it again! 😡😡😡
— Phillip Siddiq (@psiddiqshow) July 13, 2025
“That’s how she’s getting played every game!” posted @JohnProv1.
Thats how she's getting played every game!!
— John ProV1 👨💻 (@JohnProv1) July 13, 2025
The Fever will next face the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday.
Also Read: ESPN’s Bold WNBA All-Star MVP Pick Snubs Caitlin Clark In Stunning Upset Call