Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas is facing criticism after appearing to punch Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark in the throat during a game on Wednesday. The incident occurred as Clark was driving to the basket and fell to the ground under pressure from multiple Mercury defenders. While Clark was on the floor, video appears to show Thomas striking her in the neck with a closed fist.
Thomas also appeared to drive her left knee into Clark's groin area as they tussled for the ball. Despite the close proximity of a referee, no foul was called on the play. Fever coach Stephanie White expressed frustration, calling the incident "egregious and clearly disrespectful" and stating it was "absolutely unacceptable."
Dave Portnoy, a vocal supporter of Clark, posted on X, formerly Twitter, criticizing the play and the WNBA's treatment of Clark. He suggested that players would still be flying commercial without Clark's impact on the league's popularity.
Adding to the Fever's difficult night, Clark left the game in the second half with a back injury. She appeared to tweak her back in the second quarter after being fouled on a three-point attempt. Clark went to the locker room with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter and did not return. The Fever lost the game to the Phoenix Mercury, 111-109.
The two teams also had a heated contest on Monday, which saw six technical fouls called and one ejection. Clark was involved in a contentious exchange with teammate Sophie Cunningham and Mercury player DeWanna Bonner during that game. Clark is currently petitioning the league to have a technical foul assessed against her in that earlier game rescinded.