Featured Columnist IVSeptember 12, 2024
Justin Casterline/NBAE through Getty Pictures
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever got here up quick towards the two-time reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, shedding 86-75 at residence on Wednesday.
Aces star A’ja Wilson has been a mannequin consistency all yr with a 3rd MVP Award all sewn up at this level. She had her fourth double-double (27 factors and 12 rebounds) in 5 video games.
Alysha Clark and Tiffany Hayes performed necessary roles off the bench for Vegas, combining for 26 factors.
Kelsey Mitchell completed because the Fever’s main scorer (24 factors).
Clark, who has turned a nook within the second half of the season, reverted to her earlier self as she scored 16 factors however was an inefficient 6-of-22 from the sector. She hit simply one in all her 10 three-point makes an attempt.
The criticism towards the 2024 No. 1 general choose has died down for essentially the most half due to her on-court enchancment. On this night time, the response on social media was quite unforgiving.
Wealthy @5hRich
Caitlin Clark has had an terrible recreation. She’s gotta be higher and I say this as a fan. When the three is not falling you gotta discover different methods to attain and most significantly be environment friendly #Fever
A.D. Grant @ADGrant23
Caitlin Clark with a uncommon off night time tonight. I believe she has drained legs after enjoying 45 min extra time recreation final recreation
xJamberx @JamberxX
1 out a 9 … #Fever r so totally different when Caitlin Clark is not getting many 3’s #FeverRising
Tony East @TonyREast
Caitlin Clark enjoying flustered proper now. Not her greatest night time and Aces lead by 8. Fever are hanging round and have made this comeback a number of occasions this season, however they want focus for the ultimate 5:22.
SportyFella @FellaSporty
That is the worst Caitlin Clark recreation I’ve seen in a very long time. The physicality fully broke her at the moment. Shot choice, utilizing the off hand somewhat too aggressively. That is playoff physicality. Glad she is getting a reminded so she is prepared when it actually issues
Miss Obae @miss_obes
There have been individuals telling me that Caitlin Clark deserves MVP over A’ja. Yall are actually a joke. #LVAces
Dalton Hill @DaltonHill_4
Clark cannot go 1/10 from 3, & Clark and Boston cannot shoot a mixed 9/32 and anticipate to win.
Aces can handle a recreation when A’ja shoots 11/30 and nonetheless win if their opponent is capturing equally as terrible.
Excellent news for the Fever is that is the worst recreation they’ve performed 2nd half.
Nothinburger @Nothinburger12
Fever bought outplayed by a group that is a one girl present, our protection continues to look unhealthy, we bought out coached and we regarded prefer it was Cc or bust when she did not have it tonight. Why wasn’t the offense ran by means of Kelsey? We will not regulate mid recreation smh. This was unhealthy tonight smh
Las Vegas definitely flexed its defensive muscle, holding Indiana to 39.7 p.c capturing from the ground and forcing 14 turnovers. It was a powerful efficiency towards what has grow to be one of many league’s greatest offenses..
The Fever will not have to attend lengthy to avenge their defeat. They host the Aces once more on Friday night time.
The common season is shortly drawing to an in depth, so Indiana is operating out of time to enhance its playoff place having already secured a postseason berth. With 4 video games to play, it has no margin for error to probably catch the Seattle Storm and transfer up into fifth place.
