Things got a bit chippy in the second quarter of Thursday night’s game between the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever.
Fever guard Caitlin Clark hit a long three-pointer and as she was running back up the court on defense, started jawing with Storm guard-forward Victoria Vivians with the two having to be separated by officials and teammates.
The referees huddled and came away with a technical call on each player.
It’s unclear what sparked the incident outside of the trash talk, but generally, there’s plenty of trash talk back and forth, so one of the players may have crossed the line here.
Ironically, Vivians spent the first five seasons of her career with the Fever before joining the Storm over the offseason.
Social media had a lot to say about the incident.
One fan found the call to be soft, saying “The fact this was given a double technical is pathetic. They are professional athletes, not high school kids.”
Another pointed out a double standard, saying, “I’d just like to say again that this would not have been cause for a double technical in a men’s game. Trash talk is fun, and I wish someone would give the officials that memo.”
Another agreed, saying, “How is this possibly a double technical foul? That’s not called in the NBA for such trivial stuff.”
Another praised Clark, saying, “Lol I’m so happy Caitlin doesn’t back down from the heat coming at her. Get those technicals, your coach won’t fight for you.”
Lol I'm so happy Caitlin doesn't back down from the heat coming at her. Get those technicals, your coach won't fight for you.
— Taqueets (@T0BeHuman) May 30, 2024