Caitlin Clark, a standout for the Indiana Fever, showed her determination on Monday night. Despite dealing with an injured left ankle, foul trouble, and even a moment of frustration leading to a rare late technical foul, she helped her team get into a good position for their first win.
However, she was disappointed by what the Fever couldn’t accomplish. Connecticut’s Tyasha Harris was the hero for her team, scoring 13 of their final 18 points, including crucial free throws in the last seconds to secure an 88-84 win over the still-winless Indiana.
Clark expressed frustration, noting the progress her team is making and feeling they had plenty of chances to win the game but couldn’t capitalize.
Indiana’s tough schedule, facing strong teams like the New York Liberty and the Connecticut Sun, has led to a challenging learning experience for the young team, resulting in four consecutive losses, three of them by double digits.
When Clark fell to the floor clutching her lower left leg in pain during the first half, it seemed like the Fever might lose their chance once again. However, after getting her ankle taped and warming up during halftime, she returned to the game looking more like her old self.
Clark scored 17 points and made five assists in the final quarter, making crucial shots including a go-ahead 3-pointer that got the crowd cheering.
Despite her efforts, Alyssa Thomas, with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists, and Harris, with 16 points and three 3-pointers, led Connecticut to victory. Despite Indiana’s strong performance, their mistakes cost them the game.
As Indiana held onto a narrow 76-75 lead with 3:37 left, Clark made a crucial mistake by turning over the ball and fouling out while trying to regain possession. Her frustration led to a technical foul, which the Sun capitalized on.
Connecticut tied the game with a free throw from DaWanna Bonner, took the lead shortly after with a three-point play from Harris, extended it to 82-78 with another three-pointer from Harris, and sealed the win with more free throws.
Indiana had a chance to tie, but missed a layup in the final moments, allowing Connecticut to secure the victory.
Bonner scored 22 points and Carrington scored 13 for the Sun. Mitchell matched Clark’s performance with 17 points and five assists, while Smith scored 13 and Fagbenle added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Boston scored 10 points.
Thomas acknowledged the challenges faced by a young team like Indiana but praised their response to a tough start to the season. She commended their effort in the game despite the loss.
