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Clark Curses Ref, No Tech; Thomas Fined for Throat

7/16/2026

42 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Caitlin Clark Outburst

Caitlin Clark used profanity toward a referee after a no-call in the Fever’s 88-75 loss to Golden State, scoring 13 points, six assists and three rebounds.
The game ended with no technical foul and left Indiana at 14-10.
Stephanie White said she will raise Clark’s minutes to protect her health.
Alyssa Thomas received a $1,000 fine and a suspension after a non-call on throat contact, after Adam Silver urged action.

Summary

Mitchell Earns Week

Kelsey Mitchell earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week, posting 28.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals July 2-12.
Indiana opens a stretch vs. Golden State, Seattle, New York and Connecticut, holding an 8-4 record as Gabby Williams is questionable with a back contusion and Iliana Rupert is out for pregnancy.
Caitlin Clark is probable despite a back injury after 24 minutes and 12 points in the 109-75 win.

History

Historical Context

In its 1997 debut, the eight-team WNBA imposed a $5,000 fine on New York Liberty guard Becky Hammon for on-court profanity, establishing an early conduct standard. The league’s first collective bargaining agreement in 1999 raised the minimum salary to $30,000, and a 2020 deal pushed average pay above six figures, reflecting a shift toward stronger player protections and professionalization.

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Caitlin Clark Outburst

Caitlin Clark used profanity toward a referee after a no-call in the Fever’s 88-75 loss to Golden State, scoring 13 points, six assists and three rebounds.
The game ended with no technical foul and left Indiana at 14-10.
Stephanie White said she will raise Clark’s minutes to protect her health.
Alyssa Thomas received a $1,000 fine and a suspension after a non-call on throat contact, after Adam Silver urged action.

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