In what’s quickly becoming one of the WNBA’s most scrutinized storylines, Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark found herself at the center of another on-court altercation—this time with Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard. During the Fever’s gritty 81–76 win on May 22, emotions ran high and physical play spilled into a tense moment between two of the league’s brightest young stars.

While many labeled the incident as part of the competitive nature of the sport, others viewed it as another example of Clark being overly targeted in her rookie season. The postgame discourse—online and across sports media—has exploded.

 The Incident: Clark vs. Howard – A Growing Rivalry?

Late in the first quarter, Rhyne Howard fouled Clark while defending a drive to the basket. The contact wasn’t unusual by WNBA standards, but Clark responded with physical resistance and the two exchanged words at halfcourt. Cameras caught Clark mouthing, “I’m not scared of you,” followed by a sarcastic thumbs-up aimed at Howard.

While no technical fouls or flagrant calls were issued, the moment turned heads for its intensity—and for what some fans claim is part of a broader pattern.

“I love the fight in her,” one Fever fan posted on X. “But how many more hits is Caitlin going to take before the league steps in?

 Clark Keeps Her Cool

Despite being visibly frustrated after the foul, Caitlin Clark didn’t retaliate inappropriately. In her postgame remarks, she downplayed the confrontation:

“It’s part of the game. I don’t think it was anything dirty. She was trying to make a play. Emotions get high—that’s what makes this fun.”

Clark finished the night with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists—struggling from beyond the arc (0-for-5), but making a critical assist late in the game that helped seal the victory for Indiana.

 Rhyne Howard Responds

When asked about the altercation, Rhyne Howard was similarly cool-headed, though firm:

“She’s a competitor, and so am I. We’re both out there fighting for our teams. That’s all it was.”

 The Bigger Conversation: Is Clark Being Targeted?

This is not the first time Clark has found herself in the crosshairs of tough, physical play. Earlier this season, she was involved in a high-profile collision with Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, which also generated widespread debate.

Critics argue that Clark is being singled out by defenders looking to send a message. Supporters of the physical play say it’s just what happens when a star rookie joins the league and is expected to earn her place.

Former WNBA player and ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo weighed in during the postgame show:

“This is the WNBA. It’s physical. But the league needs to make sure physicality doesn’t turn into targeted aggression. Clark is an asset to the sport—we want her protected, but also challenged.”

 A Rivalry Worth Watching

While the Clark-Howard moment didn’t escalate into a full-blown altercation, it highlighted the growing tension between the Fever and the Dream. Both teams are stacked with young, hungry talent, and their matchups have quickly become must-watch TV.

The WNBA has not issued any fines or disciplinary actions, and neither player is expected to miss time.

What’s Next for Clark and the Fever?

With the win, Indiana improved to 2–5 on the season. They now turn their attention to a marquee matchup against the defending champion New York Liberty on May 24—a game that will test their progress and Clark’s continued adaptation to WNBA-level physicality.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you view the Rhyne Howard foul as aggressive or standard, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s presence in the league is stirring emotion, rivalries, and conversations that are fueling fan interest. As the rookie learns to navigate the physicality and pressure, each game becomes a new chapter in what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable first season.