The Indiana Fever anticipated a tricky match up of their first recreation again after the WNBA returned this week following an prolonged break for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
And that’s precisely what they bought after they stepped on the court docket to face the Phoenix Mercury on Friday evening.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, reacts within the second half towards the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Photographs)
“You knew they had been going to return in right here with loads of confidence, with three those that have received gold medals,” Caitlin Clark mentioned after the Fever’s 98-89 victory at residence.
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“You realize their confidence is basically excessive, and I believed we got here out and actually set the tone.”
Matching the boldness stage was the physicality on the ground.
Two scuffles broke out through the recreation, together with a shoving match that erupted within the third quarter between Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Cloud of the Mercury.
Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever takes a shot over Natasha Cloud, #0 of the Phoenix Mercury, through the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Photographs)
CAITLIN CLARK DAZZLES IN FIRST GAME FROM EXTENDED OLYMPIC BREAK
Mitchell appeared to go down by the three-point line after contact from Cloud, and instantly circled to shove her opponent. The 2 briefly bought right into a back-and-forth earlier than being separated by gamers and coaches, leading to double technical fouls.
“You bought to get a little bit gritty and soiled, clearly,” Mitchell informed reporters of the sport’s physicality. “I had a second myself with T. Cloud and hats off to her for being a competitor, however I believe it form of helped us. The grit and the sport and people third quarters and when staff’s make runs is the way you win a recreation in the WNBA. You’ve gotta be gritty.”
Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever and Natasha Cloud of the Phoenix Mercury get into an altercation through the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Photographs)
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Cloud additionally spoke concerning the incident post-game.
“I’ve nothing however love for her . . . that’s simply the competitiveness of the sport.”
One other minor scuffle between Brittney Griner and Aliyah Boston additionally unfolded, however no technical fouls got out.
The Fever play subsequent towards the Seattle Storm on Sunday.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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