Caitlin Clark Could Get Suspended Right Before WNBA Playoff.
The Indiana Fever fell short to the Las Vegas Aces on Friday night despite Caitlin Clark’s heroics in the second half. The No. 1 pick finished the game with 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
During the Aces-Fever game, Clark received a technical foul for slapping the stanchion. That’s the sixth time this season she’s been hit with a technical foul.
The WNBA rules state that any player who picks up seven technical fouls in one season must face a one-game suspension. That means Clark is officially on thin ice.
If Clark receives a suspension in this Sunday’s game against the Dallas Wings, she’ll be suspended for the season finale against the Washington Mystics.
During last night’s postgame press conference, Clark spoke to the media about being on the verge of a suspension.
“They’re never gonna overturn that,” Clark told reporters. “It’s just one of the rules. I think I could’ve done a better job keeping my emotions in check, but at the same time, really?”
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever argues a call with a referee during the second half of a game against the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
The last thing the Fever need is for Clark to get suspended right before the playoffs. It wouldn’t be good for their momentum.
Luckily for the Fever, the WNBA resets each player’s total for technical fouls once the postseason begins. A clean slate will allow Clark to play her intense brand of basketball once the playoffs officially tip off.
All Clark needs to do is stay levelheaded during the final two regular-season games for the Fever. We’ll find out in the coming days if she can do just that.
