While the Indiana Fever beat the Phoenix Mercury 86-77 on Monday to end their two-game losing streak, the showdown turned ugly. Early in the fourth quarter, five players were hit with technical fouls, including Caitlin Clark.
Clark, who finished with 24 points and nine assists in the win, received her technical foul for clapping after getting tangled up with DeWanna Bonner. The two got heated with each other, leading to a skirmish that involved Sophie Cunningham, Myisha Hines-Allen and Alyssa Thomas.
The Fever All-Star was obviously not happy with her tech, especially since the referees told her it was for clapping. Clark called the technical foul "ridiculous" and expressed hope that the WNBA would review the play so she could get a better explanation.
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Stephanie White, however, pointed out that Clark needs to be more aware of actions that may lead to technical fouls. The Fever head coach defended her behavior, knowing how competitive Clark is, but she also acknowledged that there are situations in which her star playmaker can exercise greater control over her emotions.
"There are natural things that happen that the energy of the game creates when you do get those (technical fouls), but there are some that we can be a little bit more in control (of)," White told reporters, according to James Boyd of The Athletic.
With that said, White stated that she and the rest of the Fever will keep reminding Clark of what she needs to do.
"And so yes, we'll continue to remind her, and I think she has to have an awareness," the Fever tactician shared.
For what it's worth, Clark did say that she will not stop playing with "emotion" and "passion." To White's point, though, the 24-year-old guard can certainly benefit from avoiding additional techs.
Her latest technical foul is her fifth of the season, putting her close to the WNBA limit. If she reaches eight techs, she will be fined $1,500 and suspended for one game.
Considering that the Fever are trying to build more consistency while fighting for a playoff spot, it could become problematic if their best player gets suspended.
