Caitlin Clark shared her honest thoughts about the officiating following the Indiana Fever‘s 95-80 loss to the Dallas Wings.
After beating the New York Liberty earlier in the WNBA preseason, the Fever stumbled against Dallas at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday.
Advertisement
Clark finished with 21 points on 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from three. She recorded four assists and two rebounds in 16 minutes.
The two-time All-Star appeared in just 13 games last season due to multiple injuries. She suffered an injury scare after colliding with Wings forward Alanna Smith on an attempted 3-pointer in the third quarter. Clark did not return as a precaution but avoided a significant injury.
Postgame, Clark spoke about the referees and did not hold back.
Advertisement
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark warms up before a WNBA game.Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert made officiating a priority this offseason. Engelbert pushed referees to draw a clearer line on physical contact and blow the whistle more consistently.
Clark noticed the change right away against the Wings. Foul calls increased on both ends, a welcome development after physicality against Clark drew concern in Indiana for years. Clark acknowledged the progress postgame.
“Obviously, I thought the refs did a really good job tonight,” she said, per Chloe Peterson on X. “Actually, and that’s kind of been their focus going into this season is. I know there’s a committee of people that really wanted them to start calling things, and I thought they did a great job of that, honestly.”
Advertisement
Clark went to the line 13 times on Thursday, converting 11 attempts. Yet she noted the adjustment will take time.
“I thought the refs were great, and it’s a preseason game, so you’re probably going to see more fouls called,â she continued. âI would expect the number to drop. I don’t know how many fouls in total were called tonight, and at times it can make the game choppy, but I think overall it’s going to improve the product.
“The players aren’t getting held, and it was both ways. I thought they did a good job both ways.”
Advertisement
The Fever and Wings meet again in the regular-season opener May 9.
Related: Caitlin Clark Shares Injury Update After Loss to Dallas Wings
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
