Tensions flare as Carter’s on-court actions against Clark spark heated debates in the league.

Saturday’s WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky was billed as the much-anticipated rematch between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. However, it seems there’s another Chicago player who has beef with Clark: Chennedy Carter.

With just seconds remaining in the third quarter, Carter drilled a jumper to cut Indiana’s lead to 4 points. But the real drama unfolded moments later. As the Fever were setting up to inbound the ball, Carter turned towards Clark and yelled something that looked suspiciously like the “b-word.” She then followed it up with a hard shoulder check that sent Clark sprawling to the floor.

To the surprise of many, the referee only called an off-ball common foul. No flagrant, no ejection – just business as usual. This decision left the Fever’s home crowd in an uproar, expecting a harsher penalty for what appeared to be an unprovoked assault.

At the end of the quarter, a visibly frustrated Clark spoke to the ESPN broadcast team, saying, “That’s just not a basketball play.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many viewers who felt the foul was excessive and unsportsmanlike.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese, Clark’s former collegiate rival, seemed to relish the moment. Her reaction suggested she had no sympathy for Clark’s plight, further stoking the rivalry flames.

Social media explodes as Clark faces constant attacks from other players

This incident is just the latest in a series of clashes for Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick who has faced a barrage of animosity from some WNBA veterans. Much of this tension seems rooted in jealousy over Clark’s rising star power and lucrative endorsements, including a $28 million deal with Nike.

The altercation quickly became a hot topic on social media. Golf influencer Paige Spiranac weighed in, tweeting, “Imagine bringing millions of new fans to the game which in turn will make every player more money and yet they treat you like this. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Despite the drama, Clark had the last laugh. The Fever went on to defeat the Sky 71-70, securing their second win of the season. This victory, albeit narrow, underscored Clark’s resilience and determination to rise above the fray.

So, does Caitlin Clark need to toughen up, or are her fellow players out to get her? The debate rages on, but one thing is clear: Clark’s presence in the WNBA is shaking things up, and not everyone is happy about it. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how these rivalries evolve and whether Clark can continue to rise above the challenges thrown her way.