RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCaitlin Clark takes blame for costly Fever problem in loss to Lynx originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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Caitlin Clark did not attempt to hide from the Indiana Fever ’s defensive problems after Sunday’s 108-100 loss to the Minnesota Lynx . Indiana entered the matchup riding a four-game winning streak but struggled to contain Minnesota from the opening tip. The Lynx scored 64 points in the first half, shot 57 percent from the field and pulled away with an 8-2 run late in the fourth quarter.
Clark finished with 19 points and 10 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell carried the scoring load with a game-high 37 points. However, the Fever’s offensive production was not enough to overcome their trouble getting stops and finishing defensive possessions. After the game, Clark offered a blunt assessment of her own performance.
Clark accepts blame for Fever’s rebounding trouble
Clark acknowledged that she was frequently a step behind Minnesota’s guards and did not do enough on the defensive glass.
“I think my player got at least four tonight,” Clark said of the Lynx’s offensive rebounds. “So I got to be better in that area, and I can for sure.”
The Fever repeatedly gave themselves opportunities to complete stops but failed to secure the ball. Minnesota capitalized through offensive rebounds, loose balls and second-chance possessions.
Clark said those mistakes allowed the Lynx to punish Indiana even when its initial defense was effective.
“We just shot ourselves in the foot by not actually going and get the ball, whether it’s a 50-50 ball, whether it’s an offensive rebound or defensive rebound,” Clark said.
The Fever guard was not alone in struggling defensively. Minnesota guards Olivia Miles and Courtney Williams combined for 55 points while shooting better than 67 percent from the field.
Miles was especially damaging in the first half, scoring 23 points before Indiana made adjustments after halftime. Clark praised the Fever for limiting the rookie’s opportunities during the final two quarters, though Miles still converted a crucial late basket.
MORE : Kelsey Mitchell passes Diana Taurasi with historic scoring streak for Fever
Fever’s comeback falls short against Lynx
Indiana deserves some credit for remaining competitive after its difficult first half. The Fever continued cutting into Minnesota’s advantage behind Mitchell’s historic scoring performance and Clark’s playmaking. They also created several quality looks during the closing minutes, but Clark and Mitchell missed open 3-point attempts that could have changed the game.
Aliyah Boston also passed up an open opportunity from beyond the arc during the decisive stretch. Minnesota eventually delivered the finishing blow with its late 8-2 run, ending Indiana’s winning streak and handing the Fever their 11th loss of the season.
Indiana dropped to 19-11 and slid back into sixth place in the WNBA standings following the Dallas Wings ’ victory. The Fever remain firmly in the playoff race, but Sunday’s performance showed why their defense must become more consistent before the postseason. Clark and Mitchell give Indiana one of the WNBA’s most dangerous backcourts, while Boston provides another All-Star option inside. The Fever have enough offensive firepower to compete with the league’s top teams, but allowing 108 points makes winning difficult regardless of how well their stars perform.
Indiana will have several days to address those issues before hosting the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday. Another matchup against an elite opponent will give Clark and the Fever an immediate opportunity to prove Sunday’s defensive breakdown was only a temporary setback.
More WNBA news:
Kelsey Mitchell passes Diana Taurasi with historic scoring streak for Fever
Cheryl Reeve reveals details of pregame conversation with Sophie Cunningham
Sophie Cunningham’s touching gesture brings young Fever fan to tears after win
Replay shows Caitlin Clark’s Fever teammates may have saved her from automatic WNBA suspension
Aliyah Boston faces WNBA fine after heated exchange with Serah Williams
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