The primary WNBA matchup between rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese was memorable for each, however not for one of the best of causes.

Clark was the recipient of a tough foul late within the third quarter, when Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter blindsided Clark and shoulder-checked her from behind on an inbounds play. Referees initially referred to as the collision a standard foul, however on Sunday the league workplace reviewed the play and upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 1 on Carter.

Fever head coach Christie Sides referred to as the play “unacceptable,” a sentiment echoed by the group’s GM, Lin Dunn, who mentioned the apply of opponents focusing on Clark “must cease!”

“I wasn’t anticipating that,” mentioned Clark after the Fever’s 71-70 win. “Nevertheless it’s simply, ‘Reply, settle down and let your play do the speaking.’ It’s what it’s.”

As for Carter, she refused to remark after the sport, telling reporters, “I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions.”

Carter later did put up a response on Threads, apparently in reference to Clark, that mentioned, “beside three level taking pictures what does she deliver to the desk man” with a cryling/laughing emoji.

The sport marked the primary skilled matchup between Clark and Reese, the previous LSU star, after the pair confronted off within the NCAA Match every of the previous two seasons. Clark completed with 11 factors, eight rebounds and 6 assists, whereas Reese had eight factors and 13 rebounds.

Reese acquired some criticism on social media through the recreation, as she celebrated on the Sky bench simply moments after Carter made contact with Clark. It’s unclear, nevertheless, what Reese was celebrating in that second.

Reese didn’t make herself out there after the sport to reporters, for which she acquired a $1,000 high-quality. The league additionally fined the Sky $5,000 for Reese’s violation of the WNBA media coverage.

This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Caitlin Clark hit upgraded; WNBA fines Angel Reese for media violation