The Indiana Fever’s playoff showdown against the Las Vegas Aces was marred by more refereeing controversy after Lexie Hull was called for a foul despite being thrown to the ground.
Hull tussled with ex-teammate Brianna Turner during the second quarter of Thursday night’s decider in Las Vegas, with the Aces star appearing to trap her rival’s arm before hauling Hull to the floor.
Some fans compared it to a WWE move and a ‘body slam,’ while the announcers branded it a ‘very dangerous play.’ And yet it was Hull who was penalized by the officials.
The Fever star protested the decision to the referees, arguing that it was Turner who locked arms with her during the clash.
But her claims fell on deaf ears before the Fever fell to a 94-83 defeat, with A’ja Wilson leading the defending champions into the semifinals.
It was another tense game, with Clark left bloodied after being struck in the mouth by the elbow of Jewell Loyd with barely three minutes left.
Indiana Fever star Lexie Hull was penalized after a ‘very dangerous’ clash with Brianna Turner
The Las Vegas Aces star appeared to trap her rival’s arm before throwing Hull to the floor
Earlier in Thursday night’s decider, Clark had her own clash with Turner. The Fever guard took issue with her ex-teammate after Turner attempted to muscle in on Indiana’s huddle.
As the Fever gathered by the center logo, Turner lingered on the edge of their huddle, seemingly trying to listen into their conversation during a stoppage in play.
Clark was visibly furious and turned to shove Turner backwards. Both players were assessed technicals following a review from the officials.
Players are allowed four technical fouls before receiving a mandatory one-game suspension. Clark was already assessed a technical for arguing a call in Game 2.
That night, Fever star Myisha Hines-Allen was also caught getting physical with Aces superstar A’ja Wilson towards the end of the first quarter.
Clark and her Indiana teammates have regularly been at the center of refereeing scandals this season, with Sophie Cunningham among those on the receiving end of controversial fouls.
