The stakes weren’t very high in the WNBA preseason matchup between the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever on Saturday afternoon. But that didn’t stop tensions from rising between Fever All-Star guard Caitlin Clark and one official.
Clark appeared frustrated a foul wasn’t called against the Dream when she committed a turnover that led to an Atlanta layup. While talking to a referee after that play, Clark was whistled for a technical foul.
“CC just got a technical foul for talking to the ref after a turnover led to an open Bri Jones layup,” The Indianapolis Star’s Chloe Peterson posted on X. “Looks like she was looking for a foul on the possession that led to her TO.”
Receiving a technical foul may have only further frustrated Clark. The guard continued to try and engage the officiating crew during the next timeout.
However, Fever veteran guard Sophie Cunningham stepped between Clark and an official to likely try and de-escalate the situation.
Clark finished the preseason matchup with 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Clark shot 5 of 11, including 3-for-8 behind the 3-point line in 23 minutes.
The Dream lost to the Fever 81-76.
Rookie guard Te-Hina Paopao came off the bench to lead Atlanta in scoring with 14 points. Brionna Jones and Rhyne Howard led Dream starters with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Dream completed the WNBA preseason with a 1-1 record. The team will open the regular season Friday against the Washington Mystics.
The Dream will see Clark and the Fever again in their home opener on Tuesday, May 20.
