“She’s One of Us Now”: WNBA Legend Reacts to Caitlin Clark Matching Her Triple-Double Record Amid Rising Tensions on the Court

In a brief but revealing exchange after a recent WNBA game, a reporter asked one of the league’s all-time greats how it felt to see Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark already tying her career triple-double record. The response was immediate, genuine, and warm:

“It’s awesome. It’s great,” she said, cracking a proud smile. “I think she has so many more years to come of greatness. So it’s been good watching her.”

That legend? None other than Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty star and one of the most decorated players in NCAA and WNBA history. And the rookie catching up to her record-setting pace? Caitlin Clark, the 22-year-old phenom from Iowa who’s been setting the league ablaze with her signature logo threes, fiery competitiveness, and—unsurprisingly—polarizing presence.

But beneath the celebration of Clark’s historic stats lies a deeper conversation that’s simmering within the league and its fans: Is Caitlin Clark being treated unfairly on the court—and if so, why?

The Record That Sparked the Conversation

Clark’s recent stat line—a 19-point, 13-assist, 12-rebound game—wasn’t just a highlight-reel performance. It marked her first professional triple-double, tying Ionescu’s WNBA career total just a handful of games into her rookie season.

This feat was nothing short of remarkable. For context, Ionescu has been in the league since 2020 and is widely considered one of the most complete guards in the game today. For Clark to already match her in a statistical category that usually takes years to rack up shows just how generational her talent truly is.

When asked about Clark’s accomplishment, Ionescu didn’t hesitate to give the young star her flowers. But the follow-up question took a more serious turn: How does she feel about the way Caitlin has been treated on the court?

“Star Players Aren’t Ever Treated Fairly”

The reporter referenced what many fans and commentators have been noticing—Clark has been taking a beating physically in games. Hard fouls, rough body checks, even off-ball shoves that seem more about sending a message than playing defense.

“Do you feel like she’s being treated unfairly?” the reporter asked.

Ionescu paused and delivered a telling answer: “I think it’s definitely like… star players aren’t ever treated fairly.”

It was a diplomatic response—but a loaded one. For those familiar with WNBA history, Ionescu’s comment echoed a truth that’s been whispered about for decades: if you’re a marquee player, you’re often a target.

When asked if she went through something similar early in her career, the Liberty star replied: “I think everybody has a different path.”

And just like that, Ionescu offered both solidarity and perspective. She didn’t wade into victimhood, nor did she dismiss the reality. She acknowledged it: Being a star often comes with a target on your back.

The Caitlin Clark Effect: Why She’s Getting Hit So Hard

To understand the heightened physicality surrounding Caitlin Clark, you have to understand what she represents.

Clark isn’t just a player; she’s a cultural force. She’s the reason why sold-out arenas, national TV ratings, and record-breaking merch sales are becoming the norm in the WNBA. Her presence in the league has generated interest not seen since the debut of legends like Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, or Lisa Leslie.

But that level of spotlight also brings tension—and resentment.

Clark entered the league with more hype than any rookie in recent memory. And for some veterans and rivals, that spotlight feels unearned. She hasn’t paid her dues, they argue. She hasn’t earned the bruises, the broken noses, the quiet bus rides from city to city before fans even knew their names.

So, how do they respond? They play her hard. Really hard.

In her last few games, Clark has been fouled in ways that raise eyebrows. From getting flattened on screens to being pushed while in the air, fans have begun to ask a simple but serious question:

If this were any other player, would the refs call more fouls? Would the league step in? Would the media react differently?

Is It a Rookie Thing… Or Something More?

There’s also the argument that Clark is simply experiencing what all rookies go through—a league where respect is earned, not given. The WNBA, like the NBA, has a long-standing culture of “welcome to the league” moments where rookies are tested, physically and mentally.

But the level of aggression Clark has faced feels unprecedented, especially considering her popularity and the WNBA’s desire to grow its fanbase. And fans aren’t the only ones noticing.

Stephen A. Smith, in a recent ESPN segment, slammed what he called the “double standard” in how Clark is being officiated. “If this were LeBron James getting hammered like this as a rookie, the league would be losing its mind,” he said.

Meanwhile, other stars have hinted at a deeper undercurrent—jealousy, cultural clashes, and yes, even racial dynamics—all playing a role in how Clark is received.

The League’s Response—and the Silence

So far, the WNBA has remained mostly silent. There have been no major statements about the rough treatment Clark has endured, and officiating remains a topic of frustration not just for fans but even for coaches and analysts.

Clark herself has taken the high road—refusing to blame anyone, rarely complaining, and brushing off the rough play as part of the game. “I’m just here to compete,” she’s said more than once.

But for how long can the league afford to let its biggest new star be used as a human punching bag?

Sabrina Ionescu’s Words Matter More Than You Think

What makes Sabrina Ionescu’s comments so important isn’t just that she’s a legend speaking about a rising star. It’s that she’s been in Caitlin Clark’s shoes. She knows what it’s like to carry expectations, to deal with media hype, and to be targeted because you shine a little brighter than others.

Her acknowledgment that star players don’t get treated fairly wasn’t a complaint—it was a warning. A subtle nod to the league that if it doesn’t protect its stars, it risks losing the very momentum it’s finally building.

Because whether you love or hate Caitlin Clark, one thing is clear: She’s bringing eyeballs, dollars, and relevance to a league that has long fought to be seen.

The Bigger Picture

Caitlin Clark tying Sabrina Ionescu in triple-doubles is more than a statistical milestone—it’s a metaphor for a larger conversation. One about how we treat greatness, who we protect, and what kind of league the WNBA wants to be moving forward.

Is it a league that celebrates rising stars while ensuring their safety? Or is it a proving ground where even the brightest talents are expected to be bloodied before they’re respected?

For now, Clark continues to play. Ionescu continues to lead. And fans continue to watch—closer than ever before.

One thing’s for certain: Caitlin Clark is no longer just a college sensation. She’s a WNBA player. And as Ionescu said—she’s only getting started.