Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s rising star and Rookie of the Year, has faced her share of adversity on and off the court. From opponents taking cheap shots to pundits downplaying her incredible rookie accomplishments, Clark has remained resilient. However, the latest blow comes from an unlikely source — her own teammate, NaLyssa Smith.

During a recent Instagram Live session, Smith and her partner DiJonai Carrington stirred up controversy when Smith mimicked Carrington’s infamous eye poke on Clark, a move that had left the Fever star with a black eye during a highly anticipated playoff game against the Connecticut Sun. The poke, which many fans believed was intentional, went unpenalized despite Clark falling to the ground in visible pain. Now, months after the incident seemed to be laid to rest, Smith’s lighthearted reenactment has reopened old wounds.

The tension on and off the court is growing, and Clark, who has given everything to elevate the Indiana Fever, must be feeling the sting of betrayal from within her own team. Fans were quick to express their outrage over the Instagram video, noting that Clark has done nothing but uplift her teammates, helping the Fever rise to prominence this season. Her pinpoint passes and court vision have transformed NaLyssa Smith’s game, alongside stars like Aaliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, both of whom made the All-Star team alongside Clark.

Despite Clark’s efforts to build team chemistry, it seems Smith’s frustration has been simmering for some time. Smith’s minutes and production saw a drop this season, from averaging a career-high 15.1 points per game last year to just 10.6 points this season. Even her rebounds and blocks decreased, leading many to speculate that the system built around Clark may have left Smith feeling underutilized. Could this perceived demotion be fueling the animosity?

It wasn’t just the playful Instagram Live moment that raised eyebrows. Following the Fever’s elimination from the playoffs, Carrington hinted on social media that Smith might benefit from leaving Indiana, further escalating the narrative that there may be some discontent within the team’s dynamic.

For Clark, who has had to deal with several blatant fouls and questionable moves from WNBA rivals, this latest episode is an unwelcome distraction. Her iconic performance this season helped the Fever not only on the scoreboard but also financially. Ticket sales have skyrocketed, with home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse regularly selling out and setting franchise attendance records. Clark’s impact is undeniable, making her a valuable asset both on and off the court.

However, the growing animosity between Clark and Smith has the potential to disrupt the locker room. Clark has already taken hits from opponents without receiving much protection from her teammates. Many fans have noticed that during key moments when Clark was on the receiving end of questionable fouls, her teammates seemed slow to come to her defense. Could this lack of support be a symptom of jealousy or frustration over the attention Clark garners?

Despite the drama, Clark has remained professional, refusing to blame Carrington for her eye injury in post-game interviews and focusing on her performance. But with Smith’s public jab, it seems that Clark may be facing a new kind of adversity — one that comes from within her own team.

As the Fever look to rebuild after their playoff exit, the organization will need to address the mounting tensions in the locker room. Smith’s drop in production, coupled with her perceived frustrations over Clark’s increased spotlight, could spell trouble for team chemistry going forward. Clark has undeniably raised the profile of the Fever, bringing them to new heights in both performance and popularity. But will this internal drama derail their progress?

Only time will tell whether the bond between Clark and her teammates can be repaired or whether this Instagram Live incident is just the tip of the iceberg in a larger rift within the team. One thing is clear: Caitlin Clark has proven she can handle pressure on the court, but the next challenge may be navigating the fractures within her own squad.