"Never gonna overturn that" - Caitlin Clark disappointed after sixth technical foul leaves her precariously placed for final stretch of the season

By Sahir Bhojwani

Modified Sep 14, 2024 13:11 GMT

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Caitlin Clark's competitive spirit is one of her greatest assets but can also sometimes lead to problems. During Friday's loss against the Las Vegas Aces, the Indiana Fever rookie picked up a careless technical foul early in the game, leaving her precariously placed for the final stretch of the WNBA season.

The incident occurred in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse after Clark was called for a foul on Tiffany Hayes. The Fever guard was visibly frustrated with the call and proceeded to hit the basket's stanchion. That led to her sixth technical foul of the season. The WNBA rules state that she would receive a suspension if she were to pick up one more technical.

During her postgame interview, Clark addressed the situation and spoke of her disappointment.

"They’re never gonna overturn that. It’s just one of the rules. It's in the rule books, it is what it is," said Clark.

Clark added that she needs to be better at controlling her emotions going forward. However, she also believes that some of the technical calls were harsh.

"It stinks because I feel like half of my technicals this year ... one was a complete accident and the other two were just a little frustration with myself. I think I could do a better job keeping my emotions in check but at the same time, really" added Clark.

The Fever and Clark will be relieved to hear that the technicals will not extend into the playoffs, which means she will only have to be on her best behavior for the final two games of the season.

Caitlin Clark finished the game with 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in the Fever's 78-74 loss to the Aces on Friday.

Back-to-back losses have dropped Fever to 19-19 on the season. They remain in sixth position in the WNBA standings.

Caitlin Clark recorded nine assists on Friday to break the WNBA single-season assists record

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to a call during a game at Gainbride Fieldhouse. Photo Credit: Imagn

Caitlin Clark, the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has had a remarkable start to her professional career. The 22-year-old out of the University of Iowa is considered one of the best shooters in the league but her greatest strength is her ability to distribute the ball and get teammates involved.

On Friday, Clark logged nine assists to officially surpass the WNBA record of 316 assists set by Alyssa Thomas last season. It is an incredible achievement from the rookie who continues to exceed expectations.

Against the Dallas Wings on July 17, Clark broke the WNBA single-game assists record with 19.

Clark is also the only rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double. She finished with 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds against the New York Liberty on July 6.

After an exceptional season, Caitlin Clark is the frontrunner to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award this year.