Fever rookie Caitlin Clark slapped with technical foul after ‘hostile act’ vs. Lynx

Things were getting heated during the Indiana Fever’s Sunday win over the Minnesota Lynx

Things were quite feisty during the Indiana Fever’s Sunday win over the Minnesota Lynx. With around two and a half minutes remaining in the third quarter, Fever rookie Caitlin Clark was assessed a technical foul after an incident with Lynx forward Cecilia Zandalasini.

It all happened after the Lynx committed a turnover. Clark found herself with the ball in transition, but Zandalasini suddenly grabbed her to prevent a fastbreak opportunity. Clark didn’t take a liking to her opponent’s foul, lashing out and striking Zandalasini in the face.

Following a review by the refs on what was deemed a “hostile act,” Indiana’s prized rookie was given a tech — her fourth of the season. (per IndyStarSports’ Chloe Peterson)

Caitlin Clark’s competitiveness

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Clark’s earlier technicals have stemmed from disagreements with officials and a jawing match with Seattle Storm guard Victoria Vivians. With another to her name, it only adds to the growing rhetoric about her fiery temper. But isn’t that same fiery temper one of her driving forces as well?

Don’t take this the wrong way. Overcomplaining, striking opponents in the face, and getting T’d up is definitely a no-no, especially if the player involved is an important piece to a team. Still, Clark has always worn her emotions on her sleeve, and it can be argued that it’s produced a competitive edge on the court — one that has resulted in NCAA records being broken.

While it’s clear that she has to put in more work before being on the same level as the WNBA’s top superstars, Clark is doing pretty well for a rookie. She’s averaging 16.8 points, 7.8 assists and 5.9 rebounds a game, and this can be attributed to the said competitive edge that she brings every outing.

Moving forward, maybe it’s best that she channels her energy in ways that wouldn’t hurt her team (and the faces of opposing players). Many basketball stars — in both the WNBA and the NBA — have found a way to show emotions on the court without garnering repercussions from the officials. Emulating them could be a start.

The Fever are currently 11-14, now third in the Eastern Conference. They’re on a two-game winning streak and a step closer to reaching an elusive winning record. For that to happen, Caitlin Clark has to play her part on the court, and that involves more than just getting buckets.