UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Caitlin Clark had a rough playoff debut, sporting a black eye after accidentally getting poked in it early on.
The Indiana Fever’s star rookie missed 10 of her first 11 shots before finishing with 11 points and eight assists in the team’s 93-69 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Sunday.
The AP’s Rookie of the Year refused to use the early first quarter eye-poke as an excuse for her off-night.
“Got me pretty good in the eye; I don’t think it affected me,” she said. “I felt like I got good shots, they just didn’t go down. Tough time for that to happen. I thought I got some really good looks. Three pretty wide open 3s in the first half, you usually make.”
Clark’s shooting struggles continued early into the third quarter before the Fever called a timeout. The young star smacked a chair on the bench in frustration. That seemed to get her going a little bit as she came out and hit her next three shots, Unfortunately for Indiana, Connecticut guard Marina Mabrey got hot, scoring 11 of her 27 points in the third quarter and the Fever could never recover.
“My shot felt like it was right there,” said Clark, who finished the game 4 for 17 from the field, including missing 11 of her 13 3-point attempts. “It’s so frustrating as a shooter when it won’t go down for you. That’s what (stinks) about it. … We were right there, I think we cut it to eight but then they came back down and hit a 3 on us.”
The Sun switched up their defense as far as who was guarding Clark. DeWanna Bonner, who is 6-foot-4, drew the assignment a lot.
“I took on the challenge, next game she’ll come out firing,” Bonner said.
Clark will get another chance Wednesday in Game 2, hoping to send the series back to Indiana for a decisive third game Friday.
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever before a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever warms up before a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts during the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Connecticut Sun defends against Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever in the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun is defended by Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks to shoot in the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Brionna Jones #42 of the Connecticut Sun is double-teamed by Damiris Dantas #12 and Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever in the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Temi Fagbenle #14 of the Indiana Fever grabs the rebound against the Connecticut Sun during the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts during the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Marina Mabrey #4 of the Connecticut Sun reacts during the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever advances the ball during the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever advances the ball ahead of DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun in the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever advances the ball during the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever looks for an opening against Veronica Burton #22 of the Connecticut Sun in the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever advances the ball during the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever shoots against the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts to a call during the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts during the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Connecticut Sun takes the layup against the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever shoots against Veronica Burton #22 of the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White talks with Veronica Burton #22 during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Marina Mabrey #4 of the Connecticut Sun reacts after making a three-pointer against the Indiana Fever during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Alyssa Thomas #25, Veronica Burton #22 and Marina Mabrey #4 of the Connecticut Sun celebrate during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever shoots against Veronica Burton #22 of the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Marina Mabrey #4 of the Connecticut Sun reacts after making a three-pointer against the Indiana Fever during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever is defended by Olivia Nelson-Ododa #10 and Marina Mabrey #4 of the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun celebrates after making a three-pointer against the Indiana Fever during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever goes for the shot against the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Marina Mabrey #4 of the Connecticut Sun reacts after making a three-pointer against the Indiana Fever during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever is defended by Brionna Jones #42 of the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever drives to the rim against Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Aliyah Boston #7, Damiris Dantas #12, Caitlin Clark #22 and Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever take the court against the Connecticut Sun in the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun shoots over Temi Fagbenle #14 of the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 and the Indiana Fever await the whistle during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Connecticut Sun and Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever go for the loose ball during the second half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Connecticut Sun drives to the rim against Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Connecticut Sun looks for the open pass against the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Connecticut Sun takes the shot against the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Alyssa Thomas #25 and Olivia Nelson-Ododa #10 of the Connecticut Sun react against the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Veronica Burton #22 of the Connecticut Sun looks for the open pass against the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Marina Mabrey #4 of the Connecticut Sun is defended by Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Aliyah Boston #7, Caitlin Clark #22, Lexie Hull #10 and NaLyssa Smith #1 walk the court during a timeout during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun goes for the shot against the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever and Brionna Jones #42 of the Connecticut Sun battle for the loose ball during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Brionna Jones #42 of the Connecticut Sun drives to the rim against Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever goes for the loose ball against the Connecticut Sun during the first half of a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: Caitlin Clark #22 and the Indiana Fever leave the court following a first round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: The Connecticut Sun huddle before a first-round WNBA playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena against the Indiana Fever on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 22: The Indiana Fever huddle before a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
The WNBA’s single-season assist leader made her regular season debut in Connecticut also back in May. She struggled in that game as well, missing 10 of her 15 shots.
Even though this was a road game, like they have most of the season, the Fever had a strong following in Connecticut. It felt like nearly an even split of the sellout crowd who were cheering on almost everything positive that Clark and Indiana were doing.
“Caitlin draws a lot of fans. She’s amazing,” Mabrey said. “They can come see whoever they want to come see, but at the end of day we’re here to win a championship.”
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