In a tough outing against the Connecticut Sun, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever struggled in their first WNBA playoff game, losing 93-69. Clark’s performance was below her usual standard, finishing with just 11 points and 8 assists, a stark contrast to her usual impact on the court. Commentators noted that the Fever were outplayed in almost every aspect of the game, from shooting to defense, as they faced an overwhelming offensive onslaught from Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey, who scored 27 points.

Reflecting on the game, Clark shared her thoughts in a post-game interview. She revealed that she had suffered a minor eye injury in the first quarter, which might have affected her shooting. “I don’t think it affected me honestly. I felt like I got good shots; they just didn’t go down. It’s a tough time for that to happen. I got some really good looks and had two pretty wide-open threes in the first half that I usually make,” Clark said. Despite the injury, she emphasized that she continued to battle and tried to contribute positively to the team’s effort.

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Clark also acknowledged that the team’s overall performance was below par. “We were down three in the first quarter, down five in the second quarter, and then lost by three in the third. We were right there, and I felt like we played a crappy game,” she commented. She also noted that disruptions like the game clock malfunctioning and defensive struggles were factors that threw off the team’s rhythm.

Looking ahead to the next game, Clark was optimistic, though she recognized the challenges ahead. “Wednesday is a do-or-die game for us. I believe Christy Sides is definitely going to have to get in her coaching bag to pull off this victory because right now, it is not looking good for us,” she remarked.

Coach Christy Sides echoed Clark’s sentiments, acknowledging the need for adjustments. “We scored 69 points, and when we go back and watch this, I didn’t really say much because I want to go back and see. I think we just need to shoot the ball better on Wednesday, and that’s going to make a huge difference,” Sides stated. She highlighted the positives, noting that the team had 23 assists on 27 baskets and limited Connecticut’s offensive rebounds after a rough first quarter.

Clark also reflected on the differences between the WNBA playoffs and her previous experience in college. “This is playoff basketball. If you can’t get up for this, then you have a problem. It’s a little different from March Madness because it’s not one and done. But the approach is the same: every single possession matters,” she said.

Despite the tough loss, Clark remained confident in her team’s ability to bounce back. “Our team is prepared and ready for the challenge. It’s going to take every single person on our team, and every single possession is going to matter,” she affirmed.

As the Fever head into a crucial Game 2, they are aware of the stakes. Clark’s focus remains on helping her team recover and fight for a win to extend their playoff journey.

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