UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Alyssa Thomas delivered a standout performance with 19 points and 13 assists, leading the Connecticut Sun to an 87-81 victory over the Indiana Fever, effectively eliminating Caitlin Clark and her team from the playoffs on Wednesday night.
As the third seed in the playoffs, the Sun will now prepare to face either the Minnesota Lynx or the Phoenix Mercury in the semifinals starting Sunday.
Clark showed marked improvement in Game 2 compared to her earlier postseason performance, scoring 25 points and providing nine assists. However, her efforts fell short. Aliyah Boston contributed significantly with 16 points and 19 rebounds, including a crucial layup that put Indiana ahead 77-75 with just over two minutes remaining. Yet, DeWanna Bonner, playing in her record-matching 82nd playoff game, responded quickly with a three-pointer to reclaim the lead for the Sun.
The game remained tense, with neither team scoring until Marina Mabrey’s three-pointer gave Connecticut an 81-77 advantage with 45.5 seconds left. Kelsey Mitchell missed a critical three-point attempt for Indiana, allowing the Sun to secure the win at the free-throw line.
After trailing by seven points at halftime, the Fever opened the third quarter with a surge, scoring the initial seven points to tie the game. The teams exchanged baskets until Lexie Hull’s layup provided Indiana with a brief 48-47 lead. However, Thomas quickly turned the tide with a dominant performance, scoring 10 points during a 14-4 run to end the quarter.
Clark later assisted in Indiana’s comeback, hitting a three-pointer that gave the Fever a 71-70 advantage with under four minutes left. Following that, the teams continued to exchange scoring.
The Fever had a strong start, going up 14-6 before Connecticut closed out the first quarter with an 11-0 run to take a three-point lead. In a notable incident, Clark pointed out a fan to officials, resulting in security escorting the individual out, though the fan returned shortly after without further issue.
Connecticut maintained momentum to start the second quarter, extending their lead to 26-16. They ended the half with a 41-34 advantage, despite an injury scare when Erica Wheeler crashed into the courtside photographers while attempting a layup. She remained down for a few minutes before leaving for an evaluation of her left thumb, not returning for the second half.
Clark concluded the first half with 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists. The Sun played without starting guard Tyasha Harris, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in the previous game, with Mabrey stepping in for her.