WNBA playoffs: Caitlin Clark updates, highlights, analysis as Fever face Sun in Game 2

September 25, 2024

in WNBA

Reading Time: 4 mins read

The Indiana Fever’s first playoff game since 2016 didn’t go as expected.

Caitlin Clark and her team struggled with their shooting on Sunday and were defeated by the veteran Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round series.

The visiting Indiana team is fully aware of the challenge ahead in Game 2 on Wednesday, recognizing the significant advantage Connecticut holds in playoff experience.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Cassandra Negley:

Four of the five Fever starters have less than three years of WNBA experience. Despite their successful college basketball careers, they entered the first-round series with no WNBA playoff experience, including seven-year veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell.

Caitlin Clark, fresh off consecutive Final Four appearances, mentioned on Tuesday that the intensity, pressure, and win-or-go-home situation are similar to college, but different as a rookie in the pros.

“It’s a learning curve for me, too,” Clark stated. “This is my first playoff experience. For many of us on this team, it’s our first playoff. We are all navigating through it together and learning. It’s hard to predict what to expect, given that many of us are new to this.”

The Sun secured a 93-69 victory over Caitlin Clark and the Fever in Game 1 on Sunday. (M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images)

The Fever have an opportunity on Wednesday evening to stay alive and extend Clark’s remarkable rookie season. However, they must improve their shooting, assert dominance in transition, and match the Sun’s intensity.

Live34 updates

Wed, September 25, 2024 at 9:15 PM EDT

4Q: Sun 68, Fever 63

The Fever have managed to keep the deficit to seven points for most of the second half. Dantas and Fagbenle have been more involved in the offense in recent possessions, but they need to ensure the ball keeps moving. AT (19p/10a/5r) shut down Fagbenle, who struggled with ball control and caused a shot clock violation. Indiana’s defense must step up to make a comeback and force Game 3.

Wed, September 25, 2024 at 9:06 PM EDT

4Q: Sun 61, Fever 52

Thomas scored two more baskets (16p/10a/5r), extending the Sun’s lead to nine points. Seven players on the Sun’s team are in double figures.

Clark has 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Boston (12p/17r) and Mitchell (10p) are also in double figures, but Hull is struggling from the 3-point range, going 1-5, and Fagbenle has yet to score. Wheeler’s two free throws are the only bench points.

… (continued updates)

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