The jumbotron cycled through promotions for wireless providers, healthcare services, credit cards and monster truck events. Fans were occasionally invited to dance for the arena cameras. But on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena, no face appeared more frequently than that of Jacob Emrani.
Again and again, the personal injury attorney’s image loomed above the court as the Los Angeles Sparks handed the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark a difficult night. Viewers were encouraged to scan a QR code or call his number if they needed legal help.
Whether Clark took note is anyone’s guess, but to some observers — including voices on Capitol Hill — that kind of representation might feel timely.
The Fever star has been dealing with a back issue, for one. More significantly, many of her supporters argue she has been on the receiving end of overly physical play and needs stronger protection on the floor.
Clark returned to action Wednesday amid yet another wave of debate surrounding her treatment. She had been sidelined since June 24, when Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas struck her in the throat. Thomas was later fined and suspended, and she also faced racial abuse in the aftermath. The controversy quickly moved beyond the WNBA.
It was not the first time Clark’s treatment had become a talking point at the White House. This time, Donald Trump offered a relatively restrained assessment compared with some of Clark’s teammates and fans. “She was treated rather rough,” the president said. “That was a pretty bad event.”
Caitlin Clark returned to the court on Wednesday night, but the Indiana Fever were beaten
Clark could not stop the Fever from suffering a 106-92 defeat against the Los Angeles Sparks
The Fever star was punched in the throat by Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas last month
Then, on Wednesday, 11 Republican lawmakers wrote to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert condemning the ‘unnecessary physical hostility and violence’ being directed at Clark.
The signees said they are concerned by reports that ‘attacks… may be racially motivated’ and warned the WNBA that they would back a government investigation should Clark – or anyone – face ‘discrimination’ or ‘retaliation’ or ‘a hostile work environment.’
It was against that backdrop that the Fever star returned to her day job. ‘I know I’m under a microscope always,’ she said before the game. Clark distanced herself from the letter and said ahead of tipoff that she believes she is playing the ‘best basketball’ of her career. But on Wednesday night, despite all the attention and anticipation, Clark was barged into the shadows.
Over 16 minutes, she amassed nine points, four rebounds and three assists. Clark made just one of six three-point attempts. There was at least no more scandal. A couple of moans at the officials, sure, but no real complaints after this bruising 106-92 loss that could have been worse but for 29 points from Kelsey Mitchell.
As Mitchell put it postgame: ‘We were soft. We got punched in the mouth. And then we kept getting punched tonight.’
It had been only a few days since politicians decided once more to meddle in sports and complain about the treatment of a star player. Trump’s call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the suspension given to USMNT striker Folarin Balogun provoked international outrage and cast a long shadow of the USA’s World Cup clash with Belgium.
For Clark, watching lawmakers stick their oar in is nothing new. But just days after this country’s soccer stars crumbled, she struggled to produce her best, either.
Clark spent much of this game sitting on the bench, a towel draped over her. That wasn’t what many of these fans paid to see. They included legendary college coach Dawn Staley and English soccer star Lauren James.
Over 16 minutes in Los Angeles, she amassed nine points, four rebounds and three assists
Clark said ahead of tipoff that she believes she is playing the ‘best basketball’ of her career
Many supporters waited in line along Star Plaza before doors opened, securing their spot beside the statues that dominate the walkway outside Crypto.com Arena. Kobe Bryant, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal and Oscar De La Hoya are among those immortalized here and, before long, the WNBA will have its own spot on this walk of fame.
Later this year, Lisa Leslie will be cast in stone after spending two decades with the Sparks and collecting dozens of accolades.
They won’t be building a statue of Clark anytime soon but the snaking lines of supporters provided yet more proof that the Indiana Fever guard is already the league’s headline attraction, a superstar who transcends her sport and geography.
Clark was given a deafening welcome and her early touches were greeted by the piercing screams of young girls sitting courtside. Her feet glistened with new yellow Nike Caitlin 1s and if there were more Sparks jerseys in the stands than those carrying ‘Clark 22,’ it wasn’t obvious. At times, this didn’t sound like a home game for LA.
But none of that came as much surprise. It has been this way since Clark’s days at Iowa. All that’s not clear? Whether her peers and the WNBA feel quite the same. In a couple of weeks’ time, Clark will be on the court for the league’s All-Star game but in player voting, she ranked 11th… among guards. That was enough for Candace Parker to snap.
‘People need to look at themselves in the mirror and realize you have some insecurities,’ the WNBA legend fumed. ‘Y’all need to go to a therapist and figure out what childhood issues you have.’
In truth, though, a few spoiled ballots are not the primary concern. Instead? It is how Clark is being treated on the court and what the WNBA is doing to protect her.
Back in 2024, the debate over Clark’s rookie salary – $76,535 – reached Joe Biden’s White House and allegations that rivals target Clark due to jealousy, even racism, have also stalked this sport ever since she joined the league.
‘She’s going to continue to get better,’ Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White said afterwards
Lawmakers wrote to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert demanding answers
The 24-year-old has been on the wrong end of some brutal incidents but rarely has this debate become more toxic and highly-charged than over recent weeks. Thankfully, on Wednesday Clark was healthy enough to return to work. Unfortunately, the Sparks ensured her night ended in frustration.
‘Anytime you’ve missed a couple of weeks, it’s going to take some time to get acclimated,’ Fever coach Stephanie White said. ‘She hadn’t really been able to practice all that much either… it’s never easy when you’re reintegrating after injury, so I thought she did some really good things.’
White continued: ‘She’s going to continue to get better, and we’re going to continue to get better as we get her back working back in.’
Clark will miss Thursday’s rematch against the Mercury as she continues to manage her body. White previously said she was unsure if Thomas’ ‘dangerous’ foul played a role in Clark’s back flaring up. Perhaps it’s about time we heard what a politician thinks.
