Clark, physical play, fouls dominate WNBA

Not all the attention she’s received has been positive.

The discussions escalated over the weekend when Chicago’s Chennedy Carter delivered a shoulder blow to Clark during the Sky-Indiana Fever game, causing Clark to fall to the floor.

“I feel like everyone plays me physically, getting away with things that others might not,” Clark expressed after a recent loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. “It’s challenging, but that’s just how it is.”

“This is a very physical game, and you’re going to get pressure, this is professional basketball,” Clark said. “It is what it is, honestly.”

The referees initially considered Carter’s action as an away-from-the-ball foul and did not review it, treating it as a common foul. However, the league later upgraded it to a flagrant-1 violation.

While the WNBA has not issued a statement on the physicality surrounding Clark, the Carter-Clark incident sparked conversations not only in sports media but also on shows like “The View.”

Opinions vary on the physical challenges faced by the top pick this season, with some arguing for more protection, others suggesting she’s targeted due to media attention, and some seeing it as a natural part of the competition in women’s basketball.

Clark currently ranks 11th in average fouls drawn per game, leading rookies in that category. She’s also third overall in total fouls drawn with 46, despite the Fever playing the most games.

Clark remains focused on her game despite the physical challenges, though she has shown moments of frustration when calls don’t go her way. She has received three technical fouls, leading the league in this statistic.

Fever coach Christie Sides acknowledges Clark’s frustrations and is actively advocating against the excessive fouls against her.

The Carter incident occurred in Clark’s first professional matchup