Did Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner just start a new rivalry? Game 2 scuffle lights up social media

In Game 2 of the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun’s first-round playoff series, emotions ran high as Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner found themselves in a heated exchange early in the first half.

The confrontation, which quickly spread across social media, has become a major talking point among WNBA fans.

What led to Clark & Bonner’s confrontation?

The altercation occurred after a missed foul call that left Clark visibly frustrated.

Around the three-minute mark, Clark took a three-point shot but believed Bonner had committed a landing zone violation, knocking her to the floor.

Unhappy with the non-call, the Indiana rookie star immediately approached a referee to plead her case.

Bonner, a seasoned veteran, took offense to Clark’s gesture, stepping into her personal space and initiating a brief verbal confrontation.

Clark responded by pushing Bonner away and exchanging words before the pair were separated.

Tensions remained high throughout the half, with another verbal spat taking place later in the game.

Social media reacts to Clark & Bonner’s tension-filled moment

Despite the confrontation, both players maintained their focus on the game, and Clark made sure to downplay the incident when speaking with ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the first quarter.

“I think that’s most important and I thought we got a good start but can’t let them back in after we get a little lead,” said Clark, shifting her focus back to her team’s performance.

Despite the brief scuffle, Clark continued to impress on the court, racking up 25 points and 9 assists in the Fever’s 87-81 loss, though her efforts were not enough to stave off elimination.

Fans quickly took to social media, with many expressing support for Clark and criticizing the missed call.

“Was that not called a foul? That’s literally impeding the landing zone, she has to yield that space,” one fan said on X.

Another added, “That’s a foul. You have to let the shooter land-knocking them down is a flagrant 1.”

Despite the fiery moment, both players seem to hold mutual respect.

Before the game, Bonner acknowledged Clark’s skill, saying, “She’s such a great player, she’s not your typical rookie, but in order to win the championship you gotta guard the best player, so I’m up for the challenge.”

With the Fever’s season now over, Clark is now allowed time to reflect on a whirlwind year which saw her become one of the most recognized faces of professional basketball in the US.