Caitlin Clark Nearly Tricks Referee into a Fist‑Bump During Fever’s Frustrating 89–87 Loss

July 28, 2025 — Top 5 Plays of the Day

Clark wasn’t her sharp-shooting self—no deep three-pointers, no dazzling drives. Yet, in a wry sideline moment, she nearly convinced referee Jason Alabanza to exchange a celebratory high-five during a timeout. Cameras captured the exchange: Clark, the injured rookie and newly minted All-Star captain, extended her hand with a mischievous grin. Alabanza paused, glanced at her, then offered a playful shoulder tap instead—leaving an amused Clark chuckling as she scampered back to the bench.

It came during a heartbreaking collapse for a Fever team that once led late. Indiana, up by five, relinquished the advantage in the final minute—allowing the 10th‑seeded Los Angeles Sparks (recently beaten by Minnesota) to win 89‑87. Despite her injury, Clark’s spirit remained unmistakable.

Missed Game No. 5, Energy Level Max

Clark, 23, has been out for nearly two weeks with a persistent groin injury. But even in street clothes, her sideline energy was unmistakable. She cheered on teammates—including Sophie Cunningham—and lightened the tense atmosphere with her playful attempt at officiating camaraderie.

That moment served as a rare lighthearted highlight in a game that ended as a disappointment. Indiana flashed glimpses of the team that had previously taken down Minnesota and crushed Las Vegas by 27 points earlier in the week. Instead, they let that same Sparks squad slip past them twice in nine days.

Beyond the Laugh: Clark’s Unshakable Presence

This moment wasn’t just funny—it was revealing. Clark’s presence, even off the court, draws attention. She remains a figure both competitive and charismatic: an injured rookie who’s still talked about more than many healthy starters. Her return after missing five straight games was marked by struggle, not success: a brief shootaround in Seattle saw her finish 3-for-13 overall, 0-for-6 from beyond the arc. Previous performances were equally unexpected: just 1-for-17 from deep across two games—shocking numbers for one of the game’s most prolific shooters.

Still, the hope persists: fans and teammates alike are waiting for the return of her ammo from deep—and the electric energy she brings.

Fever’s Wobbles Without Their Star

Without Clark, Indiana currently sits at 5‑5, marginally better than the 4‑4 record when she’s active. That balance speaks to how integral she is when healthy. Sunday’s loss was painful—especially knowing how easily they could have closed it out.

This defeat came just two weeks before the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, where Clark will act as one of the captains, a role earned by finishing at the top of the online fan voting alongside Napheesa Collier.

Officiating Scrutiny: A Recurring Theme

This wasn’t the first time Clark or her team have let loose against officiating:

In a tense endgame against the New York Liberty, Fever coach Stephanie White blasted calls that she called “egregious,” citing a 31‑free‑throw disparity over the previous three games. Clark appeared to be fouled on a game‑tying shot but saw no whistle. CBSSports.com+15Talksport+15SI+15SI

In another matchup against the Connecticut Sun, Clark confronted referees mid-game after a disputed block call—no resolution was ever offered. The clip went viral within hours. PFSN

Clark has repeatedly voiced her frustration about inconsistency in officiating across games, even calling out replay delays as momentum killers after matches. SI

For Clark, the issue extends beyond comedy moments—she has filed technical fouls and diplomatic complaints alike as frustration boils over.

A Moment of Joy in an Otherwise Dreary Night

For many fans, Clark’s attempted fist bump was a moment of levity in a black hole of playoff hopes. In a night filled with stinging disappointment, it was one reminder of who she is: high energy, high emotion, high drama.

She may not be able to help Indiana on the court for now, but even from the bench, Clark continues to be a headline generator. Her attempt to connect with the ref wasn’t about disrespect—it was about adding breathing room in a game that had felt suffocating for Indiana.

What’s Next?

Indiana faces the Washington Mystics next, then begins a pivotal road stretch against playoff-contending teams. Clark’s return remains uncertain—Head coach Stephanie White has emphasized prioritizing her long-term health amid multiple groin and quad injuries this 2024‑25 season. en.wikipedia.org+15Talksport+15Sporting News+15

Even without Clark, the Fever remain in playoff territory—but the hope is clear: when she’s back fully healthy and regains her rhythm, Indiana aims to make a run. Her rebounding, passing, scoring—when all work in tandem—make her one of the most disruptive players in the league.

Final Thoughts

That fleeting moment—hand extended, ref paused, Clark laughing—is the sort of viral brevity that highlights not just her humor, but her personality: competitive, expressive, unfiltered. In a league where on-court frustrations run just beneath the surface, Clark is one of the few players willing to show it—even if she’s not even in uniform.

Indiana’s loss was a setback. But Clark’s sideline moment showed one thing: whether playing or sidelined, she remains unapologetically herself. And that—along with her skill—is what keeps fans hooked.

As long as she’s out, Fever may struggle—but as long as she brings that energy, the league will watch. And hope she gets healthy soon—so she can storm back into contention, on her own terms.