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Doris Burke invokes Caitlin Clark after chippy foul in Mavericks vs Celtics: 'If that were her, it might spark a debate for a week'

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•06/17/24•

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Caitlin Clark
Jun 2, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) watches from the bench after getting taken out during a substitution in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Emotions are high at the TD Garden on Monday night, with the Boston Celtics attempting to win an NBA Championship over the Dallas Mavericks. Play has been physical thus far in the first half and players have had to play through some contact. But one instance the officials did not let go occurred in the second quarter between PJ Washington and Kristaps Porzingis.

When fighting for position in the post, Porzingis and Washington got intertwined with each other. Eventually, Washington got frustrated and threw Porzingis to the ground and the foul was called. Some words were exchanged afterward but nothing more than a common foul.

In a vacuum, a normal play. But ESPN’s Doris Burke brought up a popular topic in the WNBA right now — how Caitlin Clark is being treated by opposing players and officials. Burke said if the same play occurred with Clark involved, there would be an online debate for a few days.

“If that were Caitlin Clark, it might spark a debate for a week,” Burke said.

Clark has been on the receiving end of some hard fouls herself since beginning her rookie season with the Indiana Fever. There has been an early rivalry with Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, carrying over from their times at Iowa and LSU.

Even outside of moments with Reese, Clark’s treatment has been widely discussed — as Burke mention on Monday’s broadcast.

Caitlin Clark comments on rivalry against Angel Reese

Caitlin Clark made sure to give Angel Reese her props for the part that she has played in helping grow the WNBA this season. The two met for the second time in the pros on Sunday when the Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky by a score of 91-83 as both players put up big performances.

Clark was asked about the impact that Reese has made on the league in such a short amount of time during her postgame press conference, and didn’t hesitate to praise her opponent.

“What she’s done with her platform has been absolutely incredible,” she said. “She has an entire fan base that has supported her in what she did at Maryland and LSU. I’ve played her for a very long time and she’s been a tremendous player. It’s been fun getting to compete against. I think it’s been really good for the game.

“People love seeing great matchups, but also at the same time, people tune in for these matchups so then they get to see how amazing these teams are. Then they find new players to support and continue to come back for them too.”

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report