Caitlin Clark can stand up for herself after being pushed: Rachel Nichols

Caitlin Clark Faces Aggressive Play in WNBA

Since making her debut in the WNBA last year, Caitlin Clark has attracted quite a bit of attention—both positive and negative. Recently, during a game against the Connecticut Sun, tensions escalated. Clark took a hit to the eye from Jacy Sheldon, followed by a push to the ground from Marina Mabrey.

This incident raises an interesting question: does Clark need someone to step in and protect her during these rough moments?

Chris Mannix expressed concern during an appearance on the “Open Floor” sports show. He highlighted Clark as a prominent figure in the league, akin to stars like Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. He stressed the importance of safeguarding such key players in women’s sports.

The tension in that quarter was palpable, particularly as Clark’s teammate, Sophie Cunningham, appeared to step into the fray, trying to shield Clark from the increasingly aggressive Indiana players on that Tuesday night.

Others noted parallels between Clark and Stephen Curry, especially regarding the physicality he has faced during his career. Mannix and Nichols pointed out that, like Curry, Clark’s knack for shooting brings an inevitable target on her back.

“The WNBA won’t be all that different from the NBA in this respect,” Nichols noted. “We’ve seen teams devise strategies against stars like Curry, trying to intimidate them physically.” Yet, she acknowledged the lack of a protective presence around Clark—a factor that could make a difference.

Draymond Green has long been a defensive pillar for Curry, a player who knows how to step in when needed. Mannix remarked on the lack of a similar force for Clark, suggesting that while she’s still finding her footing in the league, there may be a need for someone on her side to ensure she’s not overwhelmed.