WNBA: Alyssa Thomas stopped one game on Cailtin Clark’s neck | Basketball

All the players were on the floor as Thomas drove his fist into Clark’s neck before getting up and stomping on him.

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has received a 2-point misconduct penalty and a one-game suspension for “punching the throat” of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the WNBA has announced.

It happened with 6:52 left in the second quarter of the Mercury’s 111-109 win over Indiana on Wednesday. Nothing bad was called for.

Thomas will serve the suspension on Saturday, when Phoenix visits the Toronto Tempo.

The WNBA office said it has the option of reviewing the game and “putting any uncalled foul play into play”.

Meanwhile, Clark went into the lane and fell to his side after a collision with Phoenix defender Lexi Held. In the ensuing scuffle, Thomas drove his fist into Clark’s throat before getting up and stomping on Clark.

Fever coach Stephanie White was upset after the contest that Thomas was not called for a foul.

“Number one, you have to call it. It’s very offensive and disrespectful,” White said.

The teams also played in a practice game two nights earlier, where a combined six fouls were called in Indiana’s 86-77 victory.

Thomas, 34, is a six-star. He is in his second season with the Mercury after playing 11 campaigns with the Connecticut Sun.

Thomas is averaging 14.7 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in 18 games this season.

Clark exited Wednesday’s game with 5:15 left in the third quarter due to back strain.

Clark, 24, is averaging 21.2 career points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds through 17 games this season. He is a two-time All-Star.

The Fever will host the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday.