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Caitlin Clark’s rookie season ends with Fever playoff loss

Vaseline September 26, 2024

Caitlin Clark’s first WNBA season is over.

The Indiana Fever were eliminated 87-81 in the first round of the WNBA playoffs on Wednesday night by the Connecticut Sun.

Clark finished with a game-high 25 points on 10 of 23 shooting, along with nine assists and six rebounds.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against Connecticut Sun during the first round of game 2 of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on September 25, 2024 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. — Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Connecticut Sun during the first round of game 2 of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on September 25, 2024 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. NBAE via Getty Images

The loss ends a record-breaking and highly publicized debut season for Clark, who helped draw new fans to the WNBA.

Though the Fever overcame an 11-point deficit to take a lead early in the fourth quarter, Connecticut’s DeWanna Bonner, facing Clark, scored two crucial baskets in a row to put the Sun back ahead late in the game.

Caitlin Clark #22 and Aliyah Boston #7 of Indiana Fever sit on the bench before playing against Connecticut Sun in Game 2 of the First Round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 25, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. — Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever sit on the bench before playing against the Connecticut Sun in Game 2 of the First Round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 25, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Getty Images

With 2:24 left, Bonner tied the game with a layup at 75-75. After Indiana’s Aliyah Boston gave the Fever a two-point lead, Bonner sank a 3-pointer to put the Sun ahead 78-77 with 1:50 left.

Marina Mabrey extended the lead to four points and two free throws from Bonner with 23 seconds left secured the series for the Sun.