Things got chippy between Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Mystics guard Julie Vanloo during Wednesday’s Fever loss in Indianapolis.
With the Mystics leading the Fever midway through the second quarter, 33-23, they got tangled up and Clark shoved Vanloo while trying to get open for a pass from Fever veteran Erica Wheeler.
Vanloo eventually put her arms out and appeared to question what Clark was doing.
Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Mystics guard Julie Vanloo get chippy during a WNBA game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana on July 10, 2024.A replay video showed Clark and Vanloo exchanging words, while Wheeler and Fever All-Star Aliyah Boston were seen chirping with Washington center Stefanie Dolson with 6:27 left before halftime.
A referee was seen in the middle of the drama, while Clark appeared to make a flopping gesture at Vanloo.
Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Mystics guard Julie Vanloo get chippy during a WNBA game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana on July 10, 2024.X
Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Mystics guard Julie Vanloo get chippy during a WNBA game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana on July 10, 2024.X
It came after Clark put Vanloo on skates when she knocked down a 3-pointer in her face just a few minutes into the contest.
Clark pushed off Vanloo before she drained a step-back 3-pointer near the right corner to extend the Fever’s lead to 5-0 with eight minutes left in the first quarter.
After that, the two guards went after it in a tough battle on both ends of the floor.
Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Mystics guard Julie Vanloo get chippy during a WNBA game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana on July 10, 2024.X
At one point, Clark was called for an offensive foul, when she pushed off Mystics guard Ariel Atkins, who simultaneously fell into a screen by Boston.
“Don’t fall for that. You fell for it,” Clark was heard saying. “She’s so soft”
Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Mystics guard Julie Vanloo get chippy during a WNBA game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana on July 10, 2024.X
Clark’s 29 points, 13 rebounds and five assists weren’t enough, as the Mystics eventually topped Indiana 89-84 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Vanloo finished with 13 points, two assists and two rebounds.
The loss came after Clark made WNBA history when she became the first rookie in league history to record a triple-double in an 83-78 Fever win over the Liberty on Sunday.
The week prior, she was named to the 2024 WNBA All-Star team.
Clark and Sky rookie Angel Reese were the only rookies who earned All-Star nods.
The Fever (9-14) face the Mercury in Indiana on Friday.
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