In the midst of heated discussions surrounding Caitlin Clark‘s physical treatment on the court, WNBA legend Candace Parker has delivered a blunt reminder: elite status in professional basketball does not come with preferential treatment – if anything, it brings more challenges.
Parker addressed the growing debate over the rough play the Indiana Fever‘s star has encountered in her two WNBA seasons, as rivals turn to physicality to try to stop her dominating talent on the basketball court.
Ultimately it has been drawing media and fan speculation about whether she’s being unfairly targeted, and whether the referees should be doing more to protect her from harm.
But Parker, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP, doesn’t believe there’s anything unusual about Clark’s situation.
“Star players aren’t ever treated fairly,” Parker told TMZ Sports, a blunt assessment of the situation for the guard at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and one typical of athletes from her generation.
Clark’s emergence figure in basketball has brought significant attention since her meteoric rise from NCAA standout to WNBA star and the face of the Indiana Fever, and a leading figure in the league overall.
With that visibility, however, comes a heavier burden on the court. Yet according to Parker, this is a rite of passage for players who achieve star status, it’s simply part and parcel of the game. That said, she also expressed admiration for Clark’s performances.
“It’s awesome. It’s great. I think she has so many more years to come of greatness. So it’s been good watching her play,” Parker added, noting that Clark has already matched her career triple-double mark.
Fever slump to Mystics loss without Clark
Clark is currently sidelined with a left quadriceps injury sustained during a matchup against the New York Liberty, an injury that has forced her to miss at least two weeks of action.
It has dealt a significant blow to the Fever and her absence was immediately felt in Indiana’s recent 83-77 loss to the Washington Mystics, leaving them .400 for the season (2-3).
Despite a strong start from the Fever, who led through much of the first half, the momentum shifted after halftime as Washington, behind Shakira Austin‘s 13-point effort, seized control before the break.
They then maintained their lead throughout the second half and claimed a critical win, pushing them into third place in the Eastern Conference standings at the expense of Indiana.
The Fever‘s offense often revolves around Clark’s court vision and shooting, and lacked consistency on the night, highlighting the difficulties of competing without their most talented player.
The Fever are looking to regroup as they prepare to host the Connecticut Sun on May 30 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as Clark continues her recovery, and Stephanie White will be hoping she’s back sooner rather than later.
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