ESPN Analysts Spotlight Missed Calls Early in WNBA Game
Caitlin Clark returned to the court Sunday for her first WNBA matchup against Paige Bueckers, as the Indiana Fever hosted the Dallas Wings. The two rookies had never faced each other in the league, with Caitlin Clark missing their June 27 game due to a groin injury.
But early in the first quarter, the storyline quickly shifted from the matchup to the officiating or lack of it.
ESPN analysts Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco were quick to call out a series of missed fouls against Clark. On one sequence, Wings guard JJ Quinerly delivered multiple bumps and holds as Caitlin Clark navigated a pick-and-roll and attacked the rim.
“There’s just so much contact going uncalled,” Lobo observed, as replays highlighted the physical defense.
Broadcast team breaks down every foul defenders are allowed to get away with on Caitlin Clark pic.twitter.com/985PVBvwH8
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) July 13, 2025
Fever Coach Stephanie White Demands More from Officials
This isn’t the first time the Fever have voiced concern. Head coach Stephanie White has repeatedly urged the WNBA to address the amount of contact her players endure.
Back in June, White spoke out after a heated game against the Connecticut Sun turned chaotic — featuring six technicals and three ejections.
“When the officials don’t get control of the ballgame… stuff brews,” White said postgame. “You’ve got competitive women… and when you allow them to play physical, they’re going to have their teammates’ backs.”
Her comments echo what fans and analysts alike are seeing: a troubling pattern of excessive contact being allowed without consequence. While things didn’t escalate Sunday, the signs are there and Caitlin Clark continues to take the brunt of it.
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