The controversial play on Caitlin Clark during the Phoenix Mercury-Indiana Fever game has cornered Alyssa Thomas. As Phoenix recorded a win over the Toronto Tempo, Thomas' teammate Kahleah Copper alleged unprofessionalism in how the matter was handled.

"We're with [Thomas]," Copper told reporters after Saturday's Mercury win over the Toronto Tempo. "We just wish it would have been handled the right way. We wish somebody also would've called her and checked on her and made sure that she was okay. I just don't think it played out how it should have professionally."

After backlash on social media, the WNBA upgraded the no-call to a Flagrant 2 to a one-game suspension and a $1000 fine. Thomas teammate Kahleah Copper alleged unprofessionalism from the WNBA, a day after the league's ruling.

"Losing AT was a lot. So we just talked about before the game one that we have enough, and then just how our circle got smaller, but we were just more connected. We wanted to be more connected out there, and we wanted to get this dub for her, and we did," Copper added in the post-game presser, per the Ballers Magazine.

The Mercury star is certainly within her rights to defend her teammate. However, replays from multiple angles did show Thomas' knee hitting Clark's groin and her hand on the Fever star's neck.

The controversial play occurred during the second quarter of Wednesday's contest as the two tangled for a loose ball.

Officials missed the play entirely. Had they reviewed it, the flagrant call likely would have stood. Indiana coach Stephanie White later called the missed sequence "absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful," slamming the crew's lack of real-time awareness.

Copper wasn't the only one from the Mercury camp who defended Thomas.

Disappointed with WNBA's ruling, Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts questions investigation

Head coach Nate Tibbetts also expressed his disappointment with the WNBA's ruling. questioning the validity of the investigation

“I’m disappointed with the suspension process by our league and our leaders in the W," Tibbetts told reporters in a video posted by Toni Canyameras on X. "This was not a thorough investigation in my opinion. The people involved were not questioned at all”

Tibbett should defend his player; this is the right thing to do. It is also expected that the league should talk to the parties concerned and beyond for a better perspective.

The suspension likely would have stood regardless. Video evidence and social-media pressure made the outcome inevitable

Not only did the video footage support the league's decision, but social media backlash might also have prompted the WNBA's hand.

The Fever and the Mercury face each other in another contest on July 9. Officiating is set to be under massive scrutiny in their next matchup.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore