Caitlin Clark turns back on Indiana Fever teammates at first sign of tension with Phoenix Mercury-LH

Clark did not want the smoke.

Caitlin Clark is often at the center of any on court scuffle involving the Indiana Fever, but she found herself in a different position when things popped off between her team and the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. She seemed to relish the opportunity to avoid the conflict, turning her back on her teammates and letting them scrap it out.

Fans had the popcorn ready coming into the Fever’s matchup with Phoenix, as Mercury star Diana Taurasi was one of the notable WNBA veterans who did not take kindly to Clark when she entered the league. She and Britney Griner made nice with Clark before tipoff, but the same did not hold for the rest of the team.

Caitlin Clark turns her back during Fever-Mercury fight

Tensions rose when the two teams huddled up very close to one another after a free throw attempt. Indiana guard Erica Wheeler pushed away Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper, which started beef between the teams.

One of the only reasons it didn’t become a full-fledged, five-on-five scrap is that Caitlin Clark walked away from the melee. She briefly tried to hold back Temi Fagbenle from going at Natasha Cloud, but gave up and turned her back on her teammates.

As she walked away, Clark shrugged her shoulders and shook her head, two gestures that have become signature moves for the rookie during the frustrating season, leading to accusations of her being a bad teammate.

Huge win for Clark and the Indiana Fever

On this occasion, Clark’s choice was not a selfish one, but instead for the good of the team. It paid off as the situation diffused and the Fever went on to win 88-82 for its first win over an opponent with a winning record this season.

Clark sniffed history, finishing one rebound short of becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple double.