The Indiana Fever rookie remains favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark celebrates after making a 3-point basket against the Phoenix MercuryAP

If there is any athlete in the WNBA who faces scrutiny for every action, it’s Caitlin Clark. The number one pick in the draft has been the center of attention during her 23 games with the Indiana Fever (9-14).

This attention is well-deserved, given the numerous records she has set as both a player and for the league in terms of ratings, merchandise sales, and arena attendance. Clark is synonymous with high visibility.

Because of the intense focus on her, it might be more challenging for referees to make calls involving Clark. Some may feel pressured, while others might not.

A recent example is a play against the Washington Mystics where Clark attempted to get free from Julie Vanloo by making a “check” and then sarcastically telling Vanloo to “stop flopping” while mocking her.

Clark’s reaction seemed to mirror how she is often defended by other players. She found Vanloo’s response exaggerated, considering the normal level of physical contact in such a high-intensity game.

These types of incidents will likely continue throughout Clark’s career. Much like in prison, where you must establish respect from the outset or risk being seen as weak, Clark must assert herself on the court.

Clark won the ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance after after becoming the NCAA’s all-time D-1 leading scorer last season with Iowa.

She and the Fever host Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury (12-10) today.

Following this game, they have two more road games against Minnesota and Dallas before a month-long break for the All-Star game, where Clark received the most votes, and the Olympics in Paris, which she will not be attending.