Caitlin Clark may have only played 15 WNBA games, but the ripple effects of her regularly getting fouled hard are being felt around the basketball world.
During the second quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Mavericks and Celtics, ESPN color commentator Doris Burke made a joke about a call on Dallas forward P.J. Washington, incorporating a reference to Clark.
“If that were Caitlin Clark, it might spark a debate for a 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 common foul, but the action 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 plenty of debate because of 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 internet and the league.
Clark has become a hot-button name around the broader sports community.
ESPN’s Robert Griffin III said that Clark and Reese were “being 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 think it’s just the emotion and passion that we play with,” Clark said. “I think people love to see that. I think that’s maybe not something that was always appreciated in women’s sports, and it should be. I think that’s what makes it fun.”
The foul by Washington and its parallel commentary was 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.
