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Monday’s game against the Connecticut Sun provided some adversity for Indiana Fever star rookie Caitlin Clark, but she showed her grit as she weathered the storm. However, it wasn’t enough for the Fever to earn their first win of the season.
Clark overcame an ankle injury suffered in the second quarter and returned for the second half, but the Fever suffered a heartbreaking 88-84 loss on their home floor at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to fall to 0-4 to start the 2024 season. She tied for a team-high with 17 points while adding five assists, three rebounds and two blocks.
The Fever trailed by as many as nine points in the second half before storming back in the fourth quarter. Indiana took the lead late but couldn’t hold off the experienced Connecticut team, which improved to 3-0 with the victory. A tough foul call on the Fever allowed Tyasha Harris to sink two go-ahead free throws with 11.1 seconds left.
On the ensuing possession for Indiana, Aliyah Boston’s potential game-tying layup was slightly off the mark, giving Sun forward Alyssa Thomas the chance to ice the game with two more free throws. Thomas finished with game highs of 24 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists.
Fans on social media were left disappointed in the Fever falling short yet again, but Clark earned some praise for her gritty effort:
Josh Ayen @Josh_Ayen
Already a night and day difference from game one to game four for the Fever, but still way too many head scratching moments from this young team.
Just have to hope Caitlin Clark and co. can stay composed after this monstrous stretch to open the season
1/1 🐐 @_chefcurry
So much hype around Caitlin Clark & The fever can’t win a game to save their lives
More Muscle 💪🏽 @PJ_More_Muscle
Kelsey Mitchell or Caitlin Clark got to be the ones shooting that game winner… No disrespect! But you let one of them either tie it or win you the game… Another L for Indiana Fever
William Newbern @willsportz_
The Fever are trying to ruin all the Caitlin Clark hype, it’s so annoying
Z @antoniozepeda_
How does Caitlin Clark not touch the ball in that final possession ?!
The Fever aren’t a serious organization.
sohali @sohali2012
Damn, I was hoping for a win today with #Fever. Caitlin Clark parents looked so disappointed again. This must be so hard. CC hadn’t lost 3 in a row in years at Iowa. Imagine 4 in a row.
BeBall Jones @BeBallJones
Patience is the word for and around Caitlin Clark
Patience as she adjust to the game and patience for herself as she navigates through all of this
Whassaname @a_cook3
Imma say this again.. Caitlin Clark gon be just fine… just gonna take time
🃁 @luvsicksapphic
idk man caitlin clark and the fever had one of the best defenses in the league on the ropes today. I think they’ll be just fine pic.twitter.com/PQ0V0wyiG9
While the loss was surely disappointing for Indiana, the team should be commended for keeping up with Connecticut, especially considering that the Sun earned a 21-point victory over the Fever in the season opener.
Clark is still getting used to the throes of the professional level, but she has shown signs of steady improvement through the first four games of the year. Indiana is certainly hoping her ankle injury doesn’t develop into something more serious.
Clark and the Fever will try to bounce back when they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup against the Seattle Storm.
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