Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides plans to have a serious discussion with rookie Caitlin Clark, who is at risk of being suspended from the WNBA due to accumulating technical fouls.
Clark, the former Iowa star, has already received five technicals in her rookie season. If she reaches seven, she’ll face a suspension, something Sides is eager to prevent as the Fever push for a playoff spot.
Clark picked up her fifth technical foul during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Storm after she hit the base of a basket in the third quarter. While the Fever won 92-75, the technical foul moves Clark closer to a potential suspension. If she receives two more, she’ll be benched for one game.
After the game, Sides acknowledged the need to address the situation with Clark. “We’re going to have a conversation,” Sides said. “I don’t want Caitlin to miss a game. She’s a fierce competitor, and that’s part of what makes her special, but we need to manage that.”
The Fever have been on a roll since the Olympic break, winning against the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm, improving their record to 13-15. With playoff aspirations, it’s crucial for Clark to remain on the court.
Clark has already set several WNBA records this season, including the single-game assist record (19) and the rookie single-season assist record. She’s also the first rookie to achieve a triple-double and currently leads the league in assists, averaging 8.3 per game.
The problem with technical fouls is that they don’t reset; if Clark reaches a seventh, she’ll be suspended for every other technical she receives thereafter (ninth, 11th, etc.).
Sides appreciates Clark’s passion but knows it’s essential to keep her focused to avoid any detrimental impact on the team’s postseason ambitions.
