Caitlin Clark had funny response to Stephanie White’s defensive challenge after Fever win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Indiana Fever picked up their first win of the 2026 season Wednesday night, but Caitlin Clark learned quickly that head coach Stephanie White still was not fully satisfied. Indiana defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 87-78 behind 24 points and nine assists from Clark, giving the Fever a strong bounce-back performance after their season-opening loss to the Dallas Wings.
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The Fever held Los Angeles under 80 points and looked far more connected defensively throughout the night. Indiana played with better energy on the perimeter, rotated more consistently, and made things much tougher on the Sparks after struggling badly on defense in the opener against Dallas. But during the postgame discussion, White made it clear she still believes Indiana has another level to reach on that end of the floor.
That led to one of the more entertaining exchanges of the night between Clark and her coach.
“We only gave up 78 points,” Clark told White with a smile. “We’re going to win a lot of games if we do that. What do you want?”
White quickly responded: “I want more. Coaches always want more. That’s the nature of the beast.”
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Clark’s response came instantly.
“She’s insane,” Clark joked.
Stephanie White still pushing Fever to improve defensively
Even after the victory, White pointed to areas where she still wants to see growth from Indiana. The Fever allowed 11 fast-break points against Los Angeles, something White specifically mentioned after the game. She also emphasized the importance of sustaining defensive intensity possession after possession, especially for a team with championship expectations entering the season.
“I just think that there’s a certain mentality that it takes to will yourself to defend every possession,” White said after the win. “We are in the growth process to get there.”
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Indiana looked noticeably sharper defending ball screens compared to its opener against Dallas, where the Fever surrendered 107 points in a loss. The Fever also forced tougher shot attempts and did a much better job limiting clean looks in transition. Clark credited the defensive effort as one of the biggest reasons Indiana was able to settle into the game offensively as well.
MORE: Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin shared touching moment after Fever’s first win
Caitlin Clark continues to lead Indiana’s offense
Clark once again controlled the pace offensively and delivered several key plays throughout the second half to help Indiana pull away. The former Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball star finished 9-for-17 from the field while adding four rebounds, two steals and one block. Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points, while Sophie Cunningham chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds. Indiana also managed the win despite limited production from Aliyah Boston, who fouled out after scoring four points in 23 minutes.
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Caitlin Clark also addressed technical foul after game
Clark’s night was not completely without frustration. Late in the first half, the Fever star picked up her first technical foul of the season after arguing an offensive foul call. Clark believed she had drawn contact while driving to the basket, but officials ruled against her.
After the game, though, Clark admitted the referees handled the situation correctly.
“I deserved the technical that they gave me,” Clark said. “I think the refs are doing a tremendous job.”
The Fever now head into Friday’s matchup against the Washington Mystics looking to build momentum after their first win of the year.
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