Indiana Fever beat Phoenix Mercury 86-77 as Clark receives controversial technical foul

The Indiana Fever won a 86-77 home game over the Phoenix Mercury. Star guard Caitlin Clark led Indiana with 24 points and nine assists, and Kelsey Mitchell added 22 points. The contest turned tense in the fourth quarter when Clark and Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner tangled after a foul. Clark was assessed a technical foul—her fifth of the season—for clapping, a penalty she called “ridiculous.” Two other Fever players, Sophie Cunningham and Myisha Hines‑Allen, also received technicals; Hines‑Allen was ejected after a second technical. In total, six technical fouls were called.

Under WNBA rules a player who reaches eight technical fouls is automatically suspended for one game. Clark’s fifth technical carries a $1,000 fine and a warning; the league confirmed the foul will not be rescinded. The incident sparked a debate about officiating and player conduct. The Fever will meet the Mercury again the following night, while the league faces questions about discipline and future fines.