Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark pinpointed a big issue in their loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 on Sunday.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever looked hapless against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, losing in Game 1 of their first-round series in the playoffs, 102-85, at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
The Fever had no answer for Wilson, who exploded for 38 points, 16 rebounds, two steals, and four blocks. She matched her career-high in scoring in the playoffs, shooting 15-of-19 from the field.
Clark rued their poor defense and gave themselves a failing grade. In a report from Yahoo! Sports’ Cassandra Negley, Clark also lamented their feeble offense, which allowed the Aces to break the game wide open.
“They’re good defenders, but at the same time, we made it hard on ourselves too. Our actions were sloppy. I thought what we were running just wasn’t great, and just nobody got an easy or open look,” said the three-time All-Star.
Clark finished with 15 points on 6-of-17 shooting from the field, including 3-of-10 from long distance. She also had three rebounds, 10 assists, and six turnovers.
The Fever trailed by 15 points at halftime and never recovered. The Aces, who went 59% from the floor, led by as much as 27 points.
Indiana gave up 28 points off 17 turnovers.
It was the first time that the Fever allowed 100 points in seven games.
Kelsey Mitchell was held to 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting from the field, including 1-of-6 from three-point range. Aliyah Boston had 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Indiana is looking to exact revenge after bowing to Las Vegas in the semifinals of last year’s playoffs.
Game 2 is on Tuesday.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever looked hapless against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, losing in Game 1 of their first-round series in the playoffs, 102-85, at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Fever had no answer for Wilson, who exploded for 38 points, 16 rebounds, two steals, and four blocks.