Caitlin Clark faced frustration on Thursday as her 140-game streak of hitting a 3-pointer ended in the Indiana Fever’s win over the Atlanta Dream. During the game, Clark exchanged words with Rhyne Howard after a common foul in the first quarter, with Clark reportedly saying, “I’m not scared of you.” This incident comes less than a week after a confrontation with Angel Reese, highlighting the increasing physicality surrounding Clark. Despite Clark’s struggles, Natasha Howard’s 26-point performance led Indiana to an 81-76 victory. What does this mean for Clark’s role and mentality moving forward in the WNBA?

Caitlin Clark, Rhyne Howard Exchange Words During Fever’s Heated Win Against Dream

Caitlin Clark, the dynamic star of the Indiana Fever, found herself in the midst of another heated exchange during her team’s narrow 81-76 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The game, which was closely contested, saw Clark, typically known for her long-range shooting and offensive dominance, struggle significantly, and an altercation with Dream player Rhyne Howard added to the tension of the evening.

Clark’s streak of 140 consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer came to an end during the matchup, marking a rare off night for the star. However, it wasn’t just her shooting that caused frustration—it was the aggressive defense of Howard, which sparked a brief but notable confrontation between the two players in the first quarter.

The Confrontation: A Tense Exchange

The physicality of the game was evident early on, and it escalated in the first quarter when Clark brought the ball up the floor. Howard, who was tasked with guarding Clark, seemed to take issue with what she perceived as a hold, leading to a brief exchange of words and contact. The situation escalated quickly, and as both players were separated, it appeared that Clark, visibly frustrated, said, “I’m not scared of you.”

This exchange, occurring just days after Clark was involved in a confrontation with Angel Reese in the season opener, highlighted the increasing physicality surrounding the WNBA star. Clark, who is often known for her ability to maintain composure under pressure, found herself in yet another tough situation, with defenders becoming more physical in their attempts to slow her down.

Clark Struggles, Natasha Howard Shines

While Clark’s usual sharp shooting was absent from this contest, veteran forward Natasha Howard stepped up to take control. Howard, who had been involved in a missed game-winner just two days prior against the Dream, bounced back in a big way, putting up 26 points on 12-of-17 shooting. Howard also added seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal in a dominant 29-minute performance that helped push the Fever to victory despite Clark’s struggle.

Reflecting on her performance, Howard noted the mental shift that helped her regain her rhythm. “I was in my own way,” she said. “But thank God I have my teammates behind me to bring that confidence out of me tonight. I couldn’t do it without them and my coaching staff as well.”

Howard’s strong showing was critical to the Fever’s success, especially in a game where the trio of Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell struggled against the tough defensive efforts of the Dream. Together, the three combined for just 32 points on 13-of-37 shooting. Howard’s 13-point performance in the third quarter helped maintain the Fever’s lead, and her crucial late-game contributions ensured that the team closed out the game in style.

The Fever’s Comeback Victory

The game took a dramatic turn in the final minutes when Howard’s reverse layup sparked a game-closing 10-1 run, trimming a narrow deficit to two points with just over two minutes left. The Fever capitalized on the momentum, scoring 13 of the final 20 points to secure the win and improve their season record to 2-1.

Though Clark’s shooting woes were evident, her teammates stepped up to ensure a hard-fought victory. Howard’s leadership on both ends of the court was a key factor in the win, and her ability to stay focused despite early-game adversity was a reminder of her veteran presence.

Looking Ahead: The Fever’s Next Challenge

With their victory over the Dream, the Fever are set to face the New York Liberty next, a team that is always a tough matchup. The game will air on CBS, with tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The Fever will look to build on their momentum and continue their strong start to the season.

As for Clark, her focus will likely shift back to her shooting form as she looks to bounce back from this challenging game. Known for her resilience and leadership, Clark will no doubt work to shake off the disappointment of her performance, and with the Fever’s strength in numbers, they remain a team to watch in the coming weeks.

Conclusion: A Team Victory Despite Personal Struggles

Thursday’s game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream was a showcase of resilience. Despite Caitlin Clark’s struggles, the Fever came together as a team, with Natasha Howard leading the charge in the second half. Clark’s altercation with Rhyne Howard and the ensuing technical fouls added to the drama, but the Fever’s win highlighted the strength of the squad’s collective effort. With the season still young, the Fever’s determination and ability to rise above individual challenges will be crucial as they move forward in their quest for success.