Tempers flared in Indiana during a heated matchup between the Fever and Sun, culminating in an 88-71 victory for the Fever on Tuesday night. The environment escalated as confrontations emerged between Caitlin Clark of the Fever and Marina Mabrey of the Sun, leading to multiple ejections and a chaotic brawl in the final moments of the game.
From the outset, the officials allowed physical play to go unchecked, creating a gritty atmosphere on the court. Clark faced persistent contact from Jacy Sheldon and Saniya Rivers, responding in kind when pushed.
The tension heightened midway through the third quarter when Clark shoved Sheldon, yet the referees refrained from calling a foul. Shortly thereafter, Sheldon retaliated by poking Clark in the face as they battled for the ball, prompting Clark to react with a forceful shove. The situation escalated further when Mabrey rushed in and body-checked Clark, causing a significant moment of confrontation.
Despite the clear escalation of physicality, the officials opted for a lengthy review process and ultimately ruled that Mabrey’s actions only warranted a technical foul. Crew chief Ashley Gloss later stated in a pool report that the contact did not rise to the level of ejection.
The decision sparked outrage among the Fever’s coaching staff, particularly coach Stephanie White, who emphasized that it was the officiating that allowed the game to spiral out of control.
“When the officials don’t get control of the ballgame, when they allow stuff to happen, and it’s been happening all season long … this is what happens,” White criticized.
As the game wore on, tensions further escalated. With 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Sun trailing significantly, Sheldon charged down the court for a layup attempt. Cunningham, trying to defend, wrapped Sheldon up with both arms, resulting in Sheldon hitting the ground hard.
The aftermath saw both teams rush onto the court, leading to another skirmish among players, while fans on the baseline quickly evacuated the area.
Across the course of the night, officiating proved contentious, with the teams combining for three technical fouls—issued to Clark, Mabrey, and Tina Charles—and one flagrant 1 foul against Sheldon.
Additionally, a flagrant 2 foul was declared against Cunningham, which, along with something resembling madness, resulted in the ejections of three players: Cunningham, Sheldon, and Lindsay Allen.
Following the uproar, White remarked, “Players are faster, they’re better, they’re bigger, they’re stronger. Things are happening quickly. Everybody’s getting better, except the officials.”
Despite the tumultuous game, the victory secured the Fever’s place in the Commissioner’s Cup final with a 4-1 record, thanks to their previous victory over the Liberty.
The Sun had previously defeated the Fever in their first matchup of the season, 85-83, and the teams are set to meet twice more in the regular season, including a game on July 15 at TD Garden.
Emma Healy can be reached at [email protected] or on X @ByEmmaHealy.
image source from：bostonglobe
