The Indiana Fever defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 87–78 on Wednesday night, led by a strong 24-point performance from Caitlin Clark.
Clark added nine assists and four rebounds, while also receiving her first technical foul of the season after erupting at an official shortly before halftime.
However, instead of doubling down on her criticism of the officiating, she took full responsibility after the game, saying she deserved the technical in that moment.
“Yeah, I mean the refs were calling it, and like I told you earlier today, I appreciate that,” Clark said. “I think it’s gonna even out. I think the refs are doing a tremendous job. I deserved the technical they gave me, but it’s great for the game. They’re gonna keep the hands off, they’re gonna make the play be good. Obviously they called a lot of fouls tonight, but it’s gonna even out so you gotta give them credit, they’re doing the right thing, so you just move forward.”
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Clark certainly is not immune to being vocal on the basketball court when it comes to communicating with officials, as she received six technical fouls during her rookie season and two more last season despite appearing in just 13 games before suffering a season-ending groin injury.
With the new WNBA CBA agreement, the fine structure has changed slightly. Under the updated system, Clark would likely receive a $500 fine for each technical foul up to three, with the penalty increasing to $1,000 from four through seven. After a fifth technical, she would also receive a warning letter from the WNBA.
An eighth technical foul would result in a one-game suspension, along with a $1,500 fine.
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