Caitlin Clark experienced a challenging start as the Indiana Fever fell to the Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs, suffering a significant 93-69 defeat. The Fever are set to face the Sun again in Game 2 of the best-of-three series this Wednesday night in Connecticut, with a potential Game 3 taking place Friday in Indianapolis.
Kelsey Mitchell was the leading scorer for the Fever, netting 21 points, while Aliyah Boston contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds. Clark struggled throughout the game, finishing with 11 points but had a tough night shooting, making just 4 of 17 attempts from the field and only 2 of 13 from beyond the arc. Damiris Dantas added 12 points from the bench.
Marina Mabrey shone for the Sun, scoring 27 points, while Alyssa Thomas recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. DeWanna Bonner also made a significant impact, scoring 22 points.
Indiana managed to put up 20 points in the first quarter, but Connecticut tightened their defense afterwards. The Fever finished the game shooting 40.3% overall and only 21.4% on three-pointers.
Clark was poked in the eye by DiJonai Carrington early on but remained in the game. Her statistical performance included 11 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 turnovers.
In the second half, Mabrey continued her scoring spree with five three-pointers, helping to extend the Sun’s lead significantly. Despite Clark finding a few shots late in the game, Indiana struggled to keep pace as Connecticut maintained control.
Both teams showed moments of promise, but Connecticut’s consistent performance allowed them to dominate as the game progressed. The Fever will need to regroup and adjust for their next matchup to keep their playoff hopes alive.