After just 4 games into the season , the Fever fans were hit with the devastating news about Caitlin Clark missing the next two weeks with a left quadriceps strain. It’s rare territory for her. Clark had never missed a single college or pro game until now. But the news also reignited a debate that’s been swirling since her rookie year–Is Clark getting the same treatment as others, or is there a racial angle at play? It’s a hot topic. One that just won’t go away. And now, Candace Parker has weighed in too.
The reigning Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA First Team star was off to a blazing start this season–dropping 19.0 points per game and leading the league with 9.3 assists. She even tied Candace Parker’s triple-double record in her sophomore year at the W. Across 139 games at Iowa, she never missed a single game. That kind of consistency? It’s a sign of her toughness and elite durability. Which is why this injury news hit so hard. It felt like a gut punch–for her and for the fans. Naturally, the debates about her unfair treatment continued.
Candace Parker has finally had a say about this. When asked whether she felt Caitlin Clark was being treated unfairly, her response was clear and honest. “You know, I think it’s definitely like… star players aren’t ever treated fairly,” she said.
The WNBA has always been known for its toughness–especially in the paint and during hard-nosed defensive battles. Yes, Rebecca Lobo does point out that she’s never seen a rookie get picked up 94 feet from the basket without the ball or face-guarded 35 feet away when she’s standing on the opposite side of the floor. That level of defensive pressure? It’s intense. But here’s the thing–Lobo doesn’t think it’s about jealousy or race. It’s just that no one has ever come into the league playing quite like Clark. Her style, her range, her presence–it’s different. And when you’re that good, you get that kind of attention.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) goes up for a shot over Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) on June 30, 2024, at Footprint Center in Phoenix.
And speaking of different treatment, how can we not bring up what Candace Parker faced during her rookie year? Back in 2008, she had her own “welcome to the W” moment — and it wasn’t pretty. In a fiery matchup against the Detroit Shock, Parker got tangled up with veteran Plenette Pierson while boxing out on a free throw. Things escalated fast. What started as a little tussle turned into a full-blown brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was wild, chaotic, and the perfect reminder that the W has always been tough–especially for rookies who have the ability to transform the game.
While the debate around Caitlin Clark’s treatment continues to be the talk of the town, the Indiana Fever have bigger concerns. They’ve officially kicked off life without their star guard–and it didn’t start the way they’d hoped!
Fever begin life without Caitlin Clark with a loss
Indiana Fever fans had gotten used to seeing Caitlin Clark suit up every single game since she was drafted. In fact, it took 44 games before they finally saw the team take the court without her. And after the 77-83 loss to the Washington Mystics, it’s safe to say they’re already counting down the days until their star guard returns.
Brittney Sykes and Kiki Iriafen made sure the Mystics avoided their fourth straight loss combining for 37 points. But there was a bright spot for the Fever too. DeWanna Bonner came off the bench and poured in 21 points, reminding everyone just how good she is–especially after a slow start to the season.
The Fever take on the Connecticut Sun on May 30th, and they’re really hoping to get that win. The Sun haven’t won a game yet, so it looks like a good chance for Indiana to come out on top–especially with the quality they have. But we all know how unpredictable the WNBA can be! So, stick around and see who comes out on top!
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