In a highly tense game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, guard Chennedy Carter's foul on Caitlin Clark has sparked controversy and calls for further review. The incident occurred in the third quarter of the Fever's 71-70 victory over the Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday.

The contentious play, in which Carter checked Clark to the ground, was called a personal foul by the referees without a review. The Indiana Fever's head coach, Christie Sides, expressed the team's intention to send the play to the league for review, as they have done throughout the season for similar instances they believe warranted a foul or should be upgraded.

The foul was ruled an away-from-the-ball foul, with Indiana ahead by four points and only 15.8 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The single free throw awarded to Clark off the call ultimately proved decisive in the Commissioner's Cup opener.

Carter, who contributed a team-high 19 points off the bench, was tight-lipped about the incident during the postgame interview. When asked about the play and what led to it, she responded with a curt "Next question." Prior to the foul, Carter and Clark had battled for a loose ball, with tensions escalating as they exchanged words while moving down the court. As Aliyah Boston prepared to inbound the ball to Clark, Carter made contact by putting her shoulder into Clark near the baseline.

The incident has generated substantial controversy, with some considering it a cheap shot on Clark. Footage of another Sky player, Angel Reese, delivering an elbow and a subsequent stare-down towards Clark also surfaced. However, it remains unclear whether these incidents will be further scrutinized.

Both Carter and Clark declined to delve into details regarding the play and any interactions that may have occurred. Clark stated that she was focused on her performance and letting her play speak for itself. She acknowledged the physical nature of the game and emphasized the importance of making free throws and executing on offense.

The Fever's head coach, Christie Sides, praised Clark for maintaining her composure and not retaliating in such a tightly contested game. Sides expressed her intention to send the incident to the league for review, highlighting the team's consistent effort to address contentious plays throughout the season.

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been adapting to the physicality of the professional league. Teams have targeted her with aggressive defense, often resulting in missed calls. Clark's frustration with the physicality and the lack of favorable rulings has been evident, with technical fouls handed out to her and Coach Sides for remarks made to the referees in previous games.

The Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever are no strangers to discussions about officiating, with both teams expressing their desire for fairer treatment. Coach Sides called for a closer examination of physical plays and an increased focus on the calls made during games.

As the league reviews the incident, the spotlight remains on the physicality of the game and the ongoing efforts to ensure fair play and player safety in the WNBA.