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Caitlin Clark’s first game against the Phoenix Mercury was chippy throughout the first half. 

Clark and the Indiana Fever’s visit to Footprint Center on Sunday started with real intensity. A scrum broke out with players barking at each other, resulting in four technical fouls before the end of the half. 

PHOENIX, AZ – JUNE 30: Temi Fagbenle #14 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

With four minutes left in the second quarter, the teams were huddled near each other, and players started pushing each other. 

Phoenix’s Sophie Cunningham threw an elbow at a nearby Fever player (not named Caitlin Clark), and the Indy squad answered back with outright shoving. 

Caitlin Clark took herself out of the situation, walking away as tempers flared. 

Phoenix’s Natasha Cloud was the star of the scrum, nearly popping a neck vein as she cursed at the Fever players. 

Cloud was on a spree in the first half, tallying three fouls before the end of the period.

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Personnel from both teams and referees stepped in to separate the players. Cloud (Phoenix), Kahleah Copper (Phoenix), Temi Fagbenle (Indiana) and Erica Wheeler (Indiana) were hit with technical fouls.

It was a chippy start to an anticipated matchup. Mercury center Brittany Griner received a technical for pushing another player moments earlier. NaLyssa Smith was hit with a flagrant against Diana Taurasi with 45 seconds left in the period.

All eyes were on Sunday’s marquee matchup, marking the first faceoff between rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, 22, and Taurasi, 42, the longtime WNBA star.

Taurasi was also a first-overall draft pick (2004) and has been a three-time champion and 10-time All-Star since bursting into the WNBA scene.

Phoenix took a 49-38 lead heading into halftime. Taurasi led all scorers with 13 points at the end of the half. 

PHOENIX, AZ – JUNE 30: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury smile during the game on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

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