Then, apparently, the team thought better of it.Screenshots circulating on X appeared to show the Mercury’s official account posting a meme after Phoenix’s 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever that included a cartoon player lying on the floor with the caption, "DE-WANNA PIECE OF THIS?!?"ZERO BS.JUST DAKICH.
TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD.DOWNLOAD NOW!Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas drives her fist into the neck/throat area of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)The post appeared to be a play on DeWanna Bonner’s name.Bonner, of course, is now with the Mercury after a brief stint with the Fever last season, and the two teams have already had plenty of tension this week.That timing was notable because of a particularly ugly sequence during Wednesday night's game.Midway through the second quarter, Clark ended up on the floor after trying to drive to the basket.
As players scrambled for the ball, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas appeared to drive her knee into Clark’s thigh and press her fist into the Fever star's neck and throat area.Many, including Indiana head coach Stephanie White, labeled the play a blatant cheap shot.No fouls were assessed on the play at the time.
On Thursday, the WNBA announced Thomas had received a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension following postgame review.The league said Thomas was disciplined for what it described as "recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area" of Clark and said the incident was deemed a non-basketball act.Later in Wednesday's contest, Clark was fouled by Valeriane Ayayi on a 3-point attempt.
Officials reviewed the play but did not upgrade it to a flagrant foul.Clark grabbed at her back afterward and later left the game and did not return.
She finished with 19 points and eight assists in 20 minutes before exiting.CAITLIN CLARK EXITS EARLY WITH BACK ISSUE AS FEVER FALL TO MERCURYAfter the game, White went off on the league's officiatin...