The Indiana Fever secured their 19th win of the season with a thrilling 104-100 overtime victory over the Atlanta Dream, led by standout performances from Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Boston scored a team-high 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Clark contributed 26 points and 12 assists. The Fever overcame a 13-point deficit in the third quarter to force overtime, thanks to Boston’s clutch shot in the final minute.
However, the game wasn’t without controversy. In the second quarter, the referees called a questionable backcourt violation against the Fever. The call involved forward NaLyssa Smith, who received a pass from Clark just as she appeared to have established legal position over the halfcourt line. The decision was met with significant criticism from fans, who felt it was an incorrect call and unjustly recorded as a turnover for Clark.
After the game, Clark voiced her frustration with the referees’ decision, aligning with the fans’ sentiments. “I thought a lot of [the turnovers] were unforced,” Clark remarked. “Whether it was dribbling off the leg, backcourt violation, which was not a backcourt violation. You all saw it. I don’t understand. I don’t know, but it’s not a backcourt violation.”
Clark’s comments reflect her dissatisfaction with the officiating, adding to the post-game discussion about the controversial call. Despite the controversy, the Fever’s win keeps them in a strong position, now two games above .500. Their performance since the WNBA returned from the Olympic break has been impressive, with the Fever winning eight of their last ten games.
Looking ahead, the Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday, September 11, in Indianapolis. This game will see Clark go up against her former Iowa teammate Kate Martin, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. As the Fever continue to build momentum, they will aim to maintain their strong performance and address any challenges that arise, both on and off the court.