Caitlin Clark made her WNBA playoff debut on Sunday afternoon against the Connecticut Sun. Despite playing on the road, she was met with a welcoming crowd. However, Clark struggled with her shooting early on, and the Sun took control in the second quarter, maintaining their lead throughout the game. Adding to her tough start, Clark was accidentally poked in the eye by DiJonai Carrington while passing the ball. No foul was called, and by the end of the game, Clark had developed a black eye.
This incident adds another layer to the ongoing tension between Clark and Carrington, who had a previous altercation earlier in the season when Carrington mocked Clark for flopping. As the Fever prepare for Game 2, they’ll be looking to extend their season with this rivalry fresh in mind.
Caitlin Clark takes a finger to the eye, no call pic.twitter.com/lrGIIJH28R
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) September 22, 2024
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark sporting a black eye after Game 1 loss to Connecticut Sun pic.twitter.com/oK8Fo00AHA
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) September 22, 2024
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark remained optimistic after a tough loss and a black eye in her WNBA playoff debut, vowing to “be a lot better” in the next game against the Connecticut Sun. In Sunday’s 93-69 defeat in Uncasville, Conn., Clark struggled with her shot, making just 4 of 17 attempts, including 2 of 13 from 3-point range, finishing with 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals.
The No. 6-seeded Fever must win Game 2 against the No. 3 Sun to avoid first-round elimination. “We can win,” Clark told reporters. “It’s not about the building or the gym. I have all the confidence in this team, and we will be better on Wednesday.”
The Sun shot 49.3% compared to the Fever’s 40.3%, dominating in multiple areas, including points in the paint (50-36) and fast breaks (18-9). Alyssa Thomas posted a triple-double with 12 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Marina Mabrey led with 27 points off the bench. DeWanna Bonner and DiJonai Carrington contributed 22 and 14 points, respectively.
Carrington also delivered an unintentional eye poke to Clark early in the game, leaving her with a black eye. Despite the hit, Clark said it didn’t impact her shooting, though she admitted the team had a tough outing overall.
The Fever and Sun will meet again Wednesday, with Game 2 airing on ESPN. If necessary, Game 3 will be played in Indianapolis on Friday. The series winner will face either the Minnesota Lynx or Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semifinals.
