The Indiana Fever experienced a setback against the Golden State Valkyries, losing 88-75. Caitlin Clark, usually a key player, scored 13 points in 26 minutes. She revealed she suffered a leg contusion during the match from a non-call incident but continued playing.

Clark Criticizes Referees

After the game, Clark expressed her frustration with the officiating. She claimed that Kiah Stokes made contact with her, which the referees ignored. “I got kneed right in the quad, and that hurts. The ref can’t miss that, and then I had to play with a contusion in my leg for the rest of the game,” Clark stated during the postgame press conference. “It’s ridiculous. Can’t miss calls like that.” The referees reportedly told Clark that she initiated the contact, resulting in no foul against Stokes.

Praise for Valkyries’ Defense

Despite her complaints about the officiating, Clark commended the Golden State team’s defensive efforts. “They’re in my grill. They’re probably the best defensive team in the league. They’re really good at that. I thought I finally played with a little more pace and a little bit more burst, especially down the stretch in the fourth,” Clark noted.

Clark has been under a minutes restriction due to a back injury. This incident adds to concerns over aggressive play against her. Recently, she was involved in a high-profile incident with Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas, which led to Thomas’s suspension for a Flagrant Foul 2 after initially being ignored as a foul.

Indiana’s Current Standing

Following this loss, Indiana’s record is 14-10. The Fever will face the Seattle Storm at home next, seeking to return to their winning form.