Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon appears to be subtly criticizing the Indiana Fever's physical style of play, particularly after a recent game where the Aces were soundly defeated. This comes amidst ongoing discussions about the physicality with which the Fever's star player, Caitlin Clark, is being defended in the WNBA.

Hammon's comments follow the Aces' brutal 81-54 loss to the Fever on July 3, 2025. She did not hold back her criticism of her own team's performance, describing it as unprofessional and lacking focus. Hammon stated it was the worst offensive performance she had seen in her four years with the team. However, some observers have interpreted her remarks as indirectly addressing the Fever's approach to the game.

Prior to a June 22 game against the Fever, Hammon acknowledged the need to be physical when defending Clark, saying that if you simply follow her around, "she's going to cook [you for] dinner". At the time, she also suggested that WNBA referees could do a better job of managing the physicality directed at Clark, noting "there's too much bumping, too much grabbing, too much fouling that's not getting called. And people are tired of getting hit".

Notably, after the Golden State Valkyries' victory over Indiana on June 19, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, a former Aces assistant, admitted they were intentionally being disruptive, knowing Clark doesn't like physicality.

While Hammon hasn't explicitly called out the Fever for overly physical play, her remarks, combined with the broader conversation around Clark's treatment, suggest a level of concern. Some view her comments as an excuse. It remains to be seen whether this perceived "shade" will further fuel the competitive dynamic between the Aces and the Fever as the season progresses.