Caitlin Clark’s Resilience Shines Amidst Rough Play in the WNBA
While physical play is generally embraced in professional sports, the excessive and often dirty tactics targeting Caitlin Clark have become a concerning trend. Despite these challenges, the Indiana Fever, led by the ruthless and talented Clark, continue their ascent, establishing themselves as one of the WNBA’s top teams. In only her second season, the former Iowa star is already contending for the league’s top spot.
Not everyone seems to appreciate Clark’s rapid rise, a sentiment often reflected in the cheap shots she endures almost nightly. A prime example occurred recently when the Fever dominated the Connecticut Sun with an 88-71 victory.
Opponents’ Attempts to “Punk” Caitlin Clark Are Proving Futile
During the game against the Sun, there’s no other way to describe Jacy Sheldon’s actions than as a dirty play. With the ball nowhere near Clark’s face, Sheldon’s high hand swipe had no legitimate basketball purpose, strongly suggesting an intentional aim for Clark’s eye. However, Clark, known for her composure under pressure, delivered immediate “revenge” with an ice-cold response.
This incident certainly felt like an “eye for an eye” moment. While no one was blinded, Sheldon likely saw stars. Clark is quickly developing a reputation that opposing players seem to be underestimating: don’t provoke her.
Sports history is filled with athletes who elevate their game when subjected to dirty plays or excessive trash talk. It’s a lesson the Sun, already trailing significantly, failed to heed. Instead of simply playing their game and accepting the loss, their unnecessary antics only seemed to fuel Clark, giving her license to go ballistic and then let them hear about it.
Furthermore, any opponent attempting to rough up Clark will also have to contend with her teammates, such as Sophie Cunningham or Lexie Hull. The Fever are demonstrating unprecedented unity and support for one another. So, if opposing players are prepared to be thrown to the ground before being thoroughly embarrassed and run off the court, that’s their prerogative.
Ultimately, Sheldon finished the game with a meager 2 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds perhaps she should focus more on her performance than on poking opponents. That’s not basketball. In contrast, Caitlin Clark dropped 20 points and 6 assists, leading her team to a decisive double-digit victory. Now, that’s basketball.
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