A wave of outrage is sweeping through the Indiana Fever fan base and the wider basketball community following a controversial no-call at the end of the Fever's recent game against the New York Liberty on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The game, a nail-biting contest that ended with a 90-88 victory for the Liberty, has been overshadowed by the final play, in which it appeared rookie sensation Caitlin Clark was fouled by New York's Natasha Cloud.
With just seconds remaining and the Fever trailing by two, Clark received the ball and attempted a shot, but Cloud knocked the ball away. Replays suggested that Cloud made contact with Clark's arm and shoulder, but the referees did not blow the whistle, effectively ending the game and sparking immediate controversy.
The Indiana faithful, already deeply invested in Clark's journey and the Fever's progress, have taken to social media and sports forums to voice their anger and disappointment. Many fans feel that Clark is not getting the same calls as other players, and some have even suggested a bias against her. The hashtag #FeverFouled is trending, filled with videos of the play and comments from outraged fans.
Adding fuel to the fire, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White did not mince words when addressing the media after the game. "I thought she got fouled. I think it's pretty egregious what's been happening to us the last few games," White stated, expressing her frustration with the officiating. She further questioned the effectiveness of the league's system for addressing grievances about referee decisions, saying, "There's a system to making sure that we can send stuff in and communicate our grievances, so to speak. I don't know if I have a feeling that the system works."
Clark herself remained relatively composed when asked about the no-call, stating that she needed to review the tape before commenting. However, her visible frustration on the court was evident, as she immediately protested the non-call to the referees.
The controversy has reignited the ongoing debate about the quality and consistency of WNBA officiating. Some analysts have pointed out that missed calls are a part of the game, but the frequency with which they seem to occur in Fever games, particularly those involving Clark, has raised eyebrows. Others have noted the physical style of play that Clark faces, with opponents often guarding her aggressively and making hard contact.
Adding another layer to the situation, some have recalled a previous interview where Natasha Cloud discussed the perception of hits on Caitlin Clark, suggesting that outrage was rooted in racism. Cloud's previous comments have now resurfaced, adding further fuel to the fiery debate surrounding the controversial no-call.
The WNBA has yet to release an official statement on the matter. The league typically reviews controversial calls, and it remains to be seen whether they will acknowledge any error in this particular instance.
Regardless of the league's response, the outrage in the Indiana community is unlikely to subside anytime soon. The fans are passionate about their team and fiercely protective of their star player. As the Fever continue their season, the spotlight on officiating will undoubtedly remain intense, with every call scrutinized and debated. The incident underscores the immense pressure and attention that Caitlin Clark faces in her rookie season, and the challenges of navigating the physicality and intensity of the WNBA.