INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 30: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever exchanges words with Victoria Vivians #35 of the Seattle Storm during the first quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 30, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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There may be some frustration building for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever during a 1-8 start to the season, and the rookie guard got into it with the Seattle Storm’s Victoria Vivians in Thursday’s 103-88 loss.

“Yeah, two competitive people and hit us with the double tech,” the rookie guard told reporters (40-second mark and 1:45 mark). “Honestly, that’s about it.

“I think just being competitive is who I am and what I’ve done my whole career. At times, there’s ways I can probably channel it a little better. That’s just basketball at the end of the day. That’s never going to change, I’m never going to lose that. Feel like I’m getting hammered.”

Vivians and Clark were each assessed technical fouls during the second-quarter exchange.

Video here:

There were some solid moments for the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft, who finished with 20 points and nine assists. However, she also struggled at times with Seattle’s physical approach and tallied seven turnovers while shooting just 6-of-17 from the field.

Some growing pains are to be expected for both the rookie and her team.

After all, Indiana was just 13-27 last season and ended up with that No. 1 pick for a reason. Still, drafting Clark put the team firmly under the spotlight, and the wins haven’t arrived just yet.

Clark continues to put up impressive individual numbers, and she figures to only improve as she gains more experience in the league. For now, though, there is some frustration to work through during the early struggles.