Magic Johnson admires how Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese deal with the hype while uplifting the WNBA - NBC Sports

Caitlin Clark Walks Away from On-Court Scuffle, Leads Indiana Fever to Victory

Caitlin Clark, often at the center of on-court scuffles involving the Indiana Fever, found herself in a different position during the team’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. As tensions rose between the teams, Clark chose to turn her back on the conflict, allowing her teammates to handle the situation.

Fans eagerly anticipated the Fever’s clash with Phoenix, particularly due to the notable tension between Mercury star Diana Taurasi and Clark, who entered the league with much fanfare. While Taurasi and Brittney Griner made peace with Clark before tipoff, the rest of the teams did not share the same sentiment.

Tensions Boil Over in Fever-Mercury Clash

The conflict erupted when the teams huddled up closely after a free throw attempt. Indiana guard Erica Wheeler pushed Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper, igniting a confrontation between the players. Clark initially attempted to hold back Temi Fagbenle from engaging with Natasha Cloud but soon walked away from the melee. As she distanced herself, Clark shrugged her shoulders and shook her head, gestures that have become signature moves during a challenging season, though they have also led to accusations of her being a bad teammate.

Strategic Move Leads to Victory

Clark’s decision to avoid the conflict was not a selfish act but rather a strategic move for the team’s benefit. Her choice helped diffuse the situation, allowing the Fever to focus on the game. The move paid off as the Fever secured a crucial 88-82 victory, marking their first win over an opponent with a winning record this season.

Clark sniffed history, finishing one rebound short of becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple double.