P.J. Washington, Kristaps Porzingis scuffle draws Caitlin Clark joke from announcer Doris Burke in 2024 NBA Finals

Gilbert McGregor

P.J. Washington, Kristaps Porzingis scuffle draws Caitlin Clark joke from announcer Doris Burke in 2024 NBA Finals image

Doris Burke's got jokes.

In the first quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, things briefly got tense between Mavericks forward P.J. Washington and Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis. As Porzingis attempted to post up, Washington threw Boston's forward to the ground, prompting the two to get face-to-face for a moment.

As tense as things were, Burke eased the tension with a callback to the discourse from the past 24 hours regarding Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. 

Here's how Burke put her comedic chops on display during Game 5.

MORE: Angel Reese called for flagrant 1 after contact on Caitlin Clark in Sky-Fever

P.J. Washington, Kristaps Porzingis scuffle draws Doris Burke's Caitlin Clark joke 

As the ABC broadcast replayed the scuffle between Porzingis and Washington, Burke's one-liner perfectly fit the occasion.

"If that were Caitlin Clark it might spark a debate for a week," Burke said during the broadcast.

A common foul was called on Washington and while some words were exchanged, play quickly resumed.

Burke, of course, is referencing the recent debates surrounding Clark being on the receiving end of flagrant fouls, most recently from Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

While Clark is on record saying Reese attempted to make a basketball play, several sports figures have called Reese's intent into question. Former Heisman Trophy Winner Matt Leinart went as far as to say Reese should be suspended for the contact.

Reese, who attempted to block Clark's shot, whiffed and struck Clark in the head. The foul was ruled a flagrant penalty-1, which resulted in free throws and possession of the ball but no further punishment. That includes a suspension.

It was the second time in as many weeks that Clark had been on the receiving end of a flagrant foul as she was hip-checked by Sky guard Chennedy Carter, who was retroactively hit with a flagrant foul penalty-1.

Burke's joke doubles as commentary on how the fouls on Clark are a part of the game and the similarities to the moment between Washington and Porzingis serve as proof.

That said, there won't likely be any further discourse involving Washington's foul, while Reese's foul on Clark will likely be a hot topic until the Fever and Sky meet again.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.