The Indiana Fever aim to bounce back as they face the Las Vegas Aces on June 22, following a recent 88-77 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. Despite the defeat, attention remains on Indiana’s earlier 88-71 victory over the Connecticut Sun on June 10, a game marked by intense physicality and confrontations that carried over into Sunday’s primetime contest.

Physical Play Sparks Ejections and Tensions in Previous Fever Games

The Fever’s confrontation with the Sun escalated late in the game when Sophie Cunningham responded aggressively to contact from Marina Mabrey. This altercation, involving Cunningham, Jacy Sheldon, and Lindsay Allen, led to all three players being ejected. The incident heightened scrutiny of the physical tactics used against Indiana and its star guard Caitlin Clark.

Las Vegas Coach Becky Hammon Comments on Physicality Against Clark

Before the matchup, Aces head coach Becky Hammon acknowledged Clark’s dominant presence and the necessity for a physical approach to limit her impact. Hammon told the Las Vegas Review-Journal,

“But she’s a player [who] you have to be physical [with]. If you just follow her around, she’s going to cook [you for] dinner.”

She also agreed with Stephanie White’s view that referees struggled to control the physical confrontations, stating,

“I think teammates should step in and defend Caitlin,”

and added,

“But at the end of the day … there’s too much bumping, too much grabbing, too much fouling that’s not being called. And people get tired of getting hit.”

Caitlin Clark’s Remarkable Passing Shines Despite Tight Defense

During the first quarter of the game against Las Vegas, Clark was effectively limited to just two points, but she still managed to contribute significantly with an impressive eight assists. Among these, one particular bounce pass left commentators from ESPN visibly amazed. With two defenders positioned between her and teammate Aliyah Boston, Clark delivered a perfectly timed bounce pass that sliced through the defense.

Fans and Viewers Praise Clark’s Exceptional Playmaking

This skillful assist sparked reactions from fans and viewers alike, with one fan account insisting that

“no other player in the league making this pass.”

Another viewer expressed,

“Omg that last bounce pass from Clark. She’s too good man..”

A woman added simply,

“caitlin clark has an insane bounce pass.”

These responses underscore Clark’s growing reputation as an elite playmaker, even when closely guarded.