Caitlin Clark can have only played 15 WNBA games, however the ripple effects of her recurrently getting fouled hard are being felt across the basketball world.
Through the second quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Mavericks and Celtics, ESPN color commentator Doris Burke made a joke a few call on Dallas forward P.J. Washington, incorporating a reference to Clark.
“If that were Caitlin Clark, it would spark a debate for per week,” opined Burke as replay showed Washington tossing down Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis.
The remark was met with a chuckle by play-by-play man Mike Breen.
Washington was only assessed for a typical foul, however the motion conjured images of Clark’s physical treatment — and little assistance from officials.
On Sunday, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese committed a flagrant foul against Clark, an incident that sparked loads of debate due to the pair’s long-standing rivalry.
Before that, Clark was knocked down by Sky guard Chennedy Carter on June 1, a play which setoff strong reactions across the web and the league.
Clark has turn out to be a hot-button name across the broader sports community.
ESPN’s Robert Griffin III said that Clark and Reese were “getting used in a race war” in a June 16 post.
When asked about Reese’s foul, Clark attributed it to the high-intensity level of competition.
“I feel it’s just the emotion and fervour that we play with,” Clark said. “I feel people like to see that. I feel that’s perhaps not something that was at all times appreciated in women’s sports, and it ought to be. I feel that’s what makes it fun.”
The foul by Washington and its parallel commentary was a part of a bitter night for the Mavericks, who saw their title aspirations come to a halt.
The Celtics beat Dallas, 106-88, to win the franchise’s 18th NBA championship.
