Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark was back on the court Wednesday night in Indianapolis, and as we’ve seen in the past, referees were not on her side despite a clear foul that could be categorized as a cheap shot.
Clark, who got off to a hot start in the contest against the Phoenix Mercury, was driving to the hoop when she lost her footing in the paint. Three different Mercury players tried stripping the ball from her, and succeeded in doing so.
However, Alyssa Thomas had some extracurricular activity with Clark, clearly shoving her first into the point guard’s neck before stepping over her on the ground. This came as the ball was rolling away from the area inside the paint.
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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball while defended by Lexi Held of the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 24, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Then, Thomas stepped over Clark on the hardwood before joining her Mercury teammates in transition.
While video replay showed all of this, no foul was called despite an official clearly standing on the baseline. As a result, social media was left baffled, with many sharing their displeasure with the play.
“What are we even doing here? Brutal cheap shot,” Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy tweeted. “These women would still be flying commercial without Caitlin and this is how she is treated. Insane.”
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Another X user added: “The fact that Alyssa Thomas is allowed to commit literal assault on a basketball court without receiving a common foul is beyond criminal. This league is rigged.”
Caitlin Clark fires up the home crowd as the Fever battle the Mercury in Indianapolis. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) ((Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))
Clark is no stranger to play getting too physical, and more importantly, no fouls being called in the moment.
Meanwhile, the WNBA is still reviewing the technical foul Clark received during Monday’s game against the Mercury. Officials assessed the technical for “clapping and instigating” during a viral sequence. Four other players also received technical fouls: Fever teammates Sophie Cunningham and Myisha Hines-Allen, along with Mercury players Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner. Thomas and Hines-Allen were later assessed second technical fouls and ejected.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever plays against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 24, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Despite Dallas Wings star guard Paige Bueckers having a technical rescinded earlier this season in a similar clapping situation, it’s likely the league is still deliberating over the “instigating” part of the viral altercation, as Clark’s action ultimately led to the skirmish.
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Either way, this clear action by Thomas while Clark was vulnerable on the court didn’t warrant even the faintest whistle, and play carried on.
Clark had to leave the game in the third quarter due to a back injury. She finished the game with 19 points and eight assists.
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