Caitlin Clark responds to WNBA fine after | NBA News

Caitlin Clark shrugged off the penalty imposed by the WNBA for her criticism of match officers following the Indiana Fever’s victory over the Atlanta Dream, which left Stephanie White in tears after the ultimate whistle. Despite being sidelined for the WNBA Playoffs, Clark has maintained her involvement from the bench, incessantly offering steering to teammates and rallying help whenever potential. The standout guard stays completely invested in proceedings, with tv coverage capturing her discussions with White and the teaching crew during breaks in play.

Given her degree of engagement, it was hardly stunning that Clark would voice her opinions concerning the officiating during the competition. Her dedication to the crew stays unwavering even though she can’t take to the court during the playoff marketing campaign. Taking to social media, Clark commented on an image that includes numerous Fever gamers in celebration mode.

“Elite bench mob,” she posted, before including: “Refs couldn’t stop us.” The 23-year-old subsequently revealed on X that the league had imposed a financial penalty for her remarks.

She added: “Got fined $200 (£148.42) for this lol BENCH MOB WILL BE EVEN MORE ROWDY TOMORROW LETS GOO! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! @IndianaFever.”

Supporters expressed bewilderment at the league’s determination to punish Clark. One fan responded: “This league is so unserious.

“Maybe if they really invested in getting better refs and holding them accountable, people would not complain as a lot. They ought to most likely look into that.”

Two fans expressed their astonishment at the relatively small fines imposed on players in this league, compared to other American sports leagues.

“Getting fined $200 is loopy in a skilled sports activities league,” one fan commented, while another quipped: “$200 is hilarious man I can cowl that s— for you Cait.”

Clark’s passionate response was triggered by the Fever’s impressive victory over the Dream, advancing them to the semi-finals despite missing a potential starting five due to injuries. The game was clinched by Aliyah Boston’s decisive basket with just 7.4 seconds left and Odyssey Sims’ free throw, securing an 87-85 win.

Despite a season plagued by injuries, Indiana’s coach White managed to keep the team focused and guided them to the semi-finals. After the match, Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard heaped praise on their coach.

“I’ve had 5 coaches in eight years,” Mitchell revealed. “I’ve been on the worst report groups right here in [the] Indiana Fever, so I do know where my profession began at. And I’ve never had a coach that poured into me, respectfully, like Steph has.

“I’ve never really felt that as a pro and for the first time in my career, I feel like I really have someone that values what I bring to the table as a player and a person. Not just as a player, but as a person.

“And so I’ll always love Steph, because she gave me an alternative to type of be who I’m. And it is arduous to do that… and when you discover coaches who imagine in you, I’ll never take it for granted. So thanks, coach.”

Howard further expressed: “She pours into every single individual. It would not matter how you play or how many minutes, she’s going to inform you to be prepared at all instances. That’s one factor I really like about Steph. How she believes in every single individual and trusts us no matter what.”