Caitlin Clark blasts Chennedy Carter’s blatant shove on hard foul: ‘Not a basketball play’

Today’s Iconic Moment in NY Sports History: The Knicks name Pat Riley as the team’s new head coach

Early in her WNBA career, Caitlin Clark has faced plenty of physical defenses.

On Saturday afternoon as she and the Indiana Fever won a 71-70 thriller over the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, she took great umbrage with one particular hard foul.

After Chennedy Carter made a basket for the Sky with 15.1 seconds left in the third quarter, she quickly went to defend Clark, who was looking for an inbound pass.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles against Dana Evans #11 of the Chicago Sky during the first quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles against Dana Evans #11 of the Chicago Sky during the first quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.Getty Images

Caitlin Clark was shoved down to the floor.
Caitlin Clark was shoved down to the floor.

Caitlin Clark was shoved down to the floor.
Caitlin Clark was shoved down to the floor.
But before Clark could receive any pass, she was knocked down to the floor by a shoulder check from Carter, who was immediately whistled for a foul.

Clark sank one free throw on the other end before the quarter concluded, and when the horn sounded, she was interviewed by ESPN and asked about a conversation she had with the referees after the buzzer.

“Yeah, that’s just not a basketball play,” Clark said. “But you know I’ve gotta play through it, that’s what basketball is about at this level. I thought we’ve been really physical, we’ve missed some bunnies around the rim, so hopefully those fall in the fourth.”

Clark and the Fever, however, remained composed and hung on for their second win of the season as she finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever talks with Aliyah Boston #7 against the Chicago Sky during the fourth quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever talks with Aliyah Boston #7 against the Chicago Sky during the fourth quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Getty Images
Despite the loss, Carter finished with a game-high 19 points, going 8-for-12 from the field.

The No. 1 overall draft pick this year has had her fair share of fiery moments in the WNBA ranks, and earlier this week, she got into it with Victoria Vivians of the Seattle Storm after Clark drilled a deep three.

Clark was issued a technical foul after the incident, her third since joining the Fever.

After that loss to Seattle, Clark spoke about the physical play against her early in her pro career.

“I feel like I’m getting hammered, I don’t know,” she told reporters Thursday.