Fever's Clark says she was fined for ref comment

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever was fined $200 for a social media comment criticizing officiating during the team's playoff series against the Atlanta Dream. She shared the news on X with laughter emojis, posting a screenshot of her Instagram remark: "Refs couldn't stop us."

Clark, who is out for the season due to injury, drew further attention to the fine by shouting to reporters at practice, urging them to view her tweet. Teammate Sophie Cunningham, herself fined multiple times this season for criticizing referees, joked about the amount on X, stating, "that's gonna really break the bank for her," and suggesting a GoFundMe.

Officiating was a significant topic during the first-round series, with at least 36 fouls called in each game, including 43 in Game 1. Despite the physical play, the Fever upset the Dream with an 87-85 comeback victory in Game 3, advancing thanks to a late layup by Aliyah Boston.

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon criticized the series' physicality, calling it "very ugly basketball" and comparing it to a "football match." She emphasized that the league should review the officiating, noting the level of contact would be unacceptable outside the game.

Clark, Cunningham, and three other Fever players are watching the playoffs from the bench due to season-ending injuries, with Damiris Dantas also sidelined by a concussion. Clark ended her social media post on an enthusiastic note, promising a rowdy "BENCH MOB" for the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces, which begins Sunday.