The Indiana Fever received a heavy beating from the Portland Fire during their showdown at Moda Center on Sunday. Indiana got off to a hot 8-2 start in the first quarter, but after Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark were subbed out, the Fire went on a 13-2 run and took full control of the game.
Portland led by as many as 26 points before settling for a 100-84 victory. Center Megan Gustafson led the Fire with 22 points on 8-of-8 shooting, while forward Emily Engstler recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
Advertisement
It was simply an ugly showing from the Fever. Clark struggled offensively and finished with just six points and six assists. No Indiana player scored more than 20 points, with Aliyah Boston leading the team in scoring with 18.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark talks with media members.Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Further highlighting the chaotic day for the Fever was the viral interaction between Clark and head coach Stephanie White.
At one point in the game during a timeout, White was seen having a passionate exchange of words with Clark. The Fever playmaker raised her hands and gestured toward her coach, seemingly explaining herself.
Advertisement
White then proceeded to point at rookie Raven Johnson, appearing to ask her to sit in place of Clark as she gave instructions to the team. Clark then stood up from her seat, while White continued to talk to the players.
A WNBA fan account shared a video of the moment, which has since gone viral, garnering over 1.2 million views as of this writing.
It’s unknown what exactly transpired during the exchange and what was said between the two. Neither White nor Clark was asked about it in the postgame presser.
Advertisement
However, it’s not the first time that Clark has had an intense interaction with White and her Fever coaches during a game. White has remained supportive and full of compliments for the two-time All-Star even after that, so their latest moment is not expected to become an issue moving forward.
Related: What Caitlin Clark Noticed About Indiana Fever Rookie Raven Johnson
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
