On Wednesday night, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever lost 86-75 to the Las Vegas Aces, marking their third consecutive loss to the Aces this season. The Fever, who have now lost two of their last three games, will have one final chance to defeat the Aces on Friday, September 13.
Early in the game, just under six minutes in, Clark was substituted for Erica Wheeler. Fans were momentarily concerned as the former Iowa star headed straight to the locker room. However, Clark quickly returned to the bench and re-entered the game with a little over two minutes left in the first quarter.
In the postgame press conference, Clark explained her brief exit, noting that she simply needed a quick break. She praised the Aces’ strong defense, explaining how their physical play can wear down an opponent over the course of the game. “They’re going to be physical with me. They’re strong. So that can kind of wear you down,” she said. Clark added that if it weren’t for her short break, she would have likely played the full 40 minutes.
Clark finished the game with 16 points, six assists, and three rebounds, marking one of her less impressive performances since returning from the Olympic break. Prior to this game, she had been in top form, securing three consecutive Player of the Week honors and being named Rookie and Player of the Month. Her recent struggles aside, she has been a dominant force post-Olympics.
This season, Clark has averaged nearly 36 minutes per game. In the Fever’s overtime win against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, September 8, she played the entire 45 minutes without a break. Despite her heavy workload, Clark continues to push through, though the demanding schedule could start taking its toll.
With the Fever having already secured a playoff spot, it wouldn’t be surprising if head coach Christie Sides considers giving Clark some extra rest in the final few games of the regular season to ensure she is fresh for the postseason.
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