WNBA's Alyssa Thomas Punches Caitlin Clark In The Throat; League Suspends Her | WATCH

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 09:24 IST

The WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas for one game after upgrading her uncalled contact with Caitlin Clark to a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2.

Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas has been suspended for one game after the WNBA upgraded her on-court contact with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark to a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2.

The league announced Friday that Thomas was disciplined for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area" of Clark during the Mercury’s dramatic 111-109 victory over the Fever on Wednesday. No foul was called on the play during the game.

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

The incident occurred with 6:52 remaining in the second quarter.

Clark drove into the lane and fell after contact with Mercury defender Lexi Held. As both players scrambled for the loose ball, Thomas appeared to push her fist into Clark’s throat before getting to her feet and stepping over the Fever star.

Under WNBA rules, the league office can review games after the fact and upgrade fouls that were not called during live action.

Indiana coach Stephanie White strongly criticized the officiating after the game.

“No. 1, you’ve got to call it. It’s absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful," White said.

The contest was the second heated meeting between the teams in three days. Their previous matchup featured six technical fouls during Indiana’s 86-77 victory, highlighting the growing intensity between the sides.

Thomas, a six-time WNBA All-Star, is in her second season with Phoenix after spending 11 years with the Connecticut Sun. The 34-year-old is averaging 14.7 points, 8.4 assists and 6.6 rebounds through 18 games this season.

Clark later exited Wednesday’s game with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter due to back issues. The two-time All-Star is averaging a career-best 21.2 points along with 8.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds across 17 games this season.

While Thomas will miss Saturday’s road game against Toronto, Clark and the Fever are set to host the Los Angeles Sparks.

(with Reuters inputs)

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

News sports nba WNBA's Alyssa Thomas Punches Caitlin Clark In The Throat; League Suspends Her | WATCH

Read More