(This story has been updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)
The Indiana Fever lost to the Connecticut Sun, 93-69, in Game 1 of their WNBA playoff series. Here’s what Fever star Caitlin Clark said:
Clark was poked in the eye 90 seconds into the game by Sun guard DiJonai Carrington but said it wasn’t the reason she shot 4-of-17, including 2-of-13 from 3-point range:
“Obviously, she got me pretty good in the eye,” Clark said. “I don’t think it affected me. I got good shots, they didn’t go down. It’s a tough time for that to happen. Had three wide open in first half that I usually make. I took care of ball better than I usually do (tying her season-low with 2 turnovers). We were down 3 at the end of the first (quarter), down 5 (more) in the second quarter and lost the third quarter by 3. We struggled to get stops. The (shot) clock kept getting messed up. It was one thing after the next. (Getting poked in the eye) didn’t feel good when it happened but I don’t think it affected me.”
Fever score: Caitlin Clark struggles with shooting, Fever drop Game 1 of playoffs to Sun, 93-69
Clark on the game getting away from the Fever in the fourth quarter:
“My shot felt like it was right there. It was frustrating it wouldn’t go down. We battled, we fought. It wasn’t pretty but we were right there. Cut it to 8 with a few minutes to go in the third. It was up 11 going into the fourth and we could never claw back into it.”
Clark is now 12-of-40 (30.0%) from the field on the road vs. Connecticut, including 8-of-29 (27.6%) on 3s but doesn’t believe she has an issue with the shooting in the building.
“We had our chances. We didn’t play well. We didn’t play to the level we’re capable of playing. We didn’t shoot the ball like were capable of. We’re capable of winning this game without making shots. Our defense could have been better. Marina (Mabrey) gets hot (shooting 9-of-20, 5-of-12 on 3s, and scoring a team-high 27 points off the bench). As a shooter, you see a couple go in … can’t allow that. It’s not about the building, the gym, the hoops. I have all the confidence in the world in everyone in the locker room.”
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fever vs Sun: What Caitlin Clark said after Game 1 loss in WNBA playoffs
