Caitlin Clark’s WNBA playoff debut disappoints fans as Fever loses Game 1 to Sun | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors
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Caitlin Clark was unanimously named WNBA Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press on Sunday after averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds during the regular season.
However, their playoff debut was a bit bumpy.
Clark managed just 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals in the Indiana Fever’s 93-69 loss to the Connecticut Sun in the first game of the first round series between the two teams – making 4 of 17 field goals (2 of 11 three-pointers) and committing two turnovers.
Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 21 points, while Marina Mabrey led the way for the Suns with 27 points as a substitute.
Clark undoubtedly had an amazing rookie season, which makes her postseason debut all the more surprising to WNBA fans:
The Hoop Kitchen @sabine_schoen
I have to keep the same energy…
Caitlin Clark with today’s playoff flop
11 points
8 templates
17.4. FG 🥶🥶
February 13th, 3 PT 🥶🥶☃️☃️
She will strike back in Game 2 pic.twitter.com/xxo7AInwQx
Great players sometimes have tough games, and Clark is no exception. The WNBA playoffs are a much different caliber than the regular season, a lesson Clark and her teammates undoubtedly learned on Sunday.
But the Fever weren’t expected to make the playoffs after going just 13-27 last season. The signing of Clark, the first pick in the WNBA draft, played a big role in the team’s immediate turnaround and 20-20 season. The fact that the Fever are in the playoffs at all makes this season a resounding success.
However, if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive, they will need to make a big comeback on Wednesday night. Game 2 will be televised at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
