It’s a 2025 semifinal rematch for the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of this year’s WNBA playoffs. However, Caitlin Clark and her squad suffered a blowout loss in Game 1 on Sunday, 102-85.
Clark’s 15-point, 10-assist double-double wasn’t enough to overcome the Aces. Aliyah Boston led the Fever with a team-high 18 points and eight rebounds. Indiana rookie Raven Johnson came up big off the bench, scoring 14 points on 85.7% shooting.
However, they had no answer for the reigning WNBA MVP, A’ja Wilson. The three-time WNBA champion tied her playoff career high of 38 points on 15-of-19 shooting. She also had 16 rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
It was a disappointing evening for the Fever. As a matter of fact, the cameras caught a moment of frustration from Clark in the second half. The 24-year-old did not hide her emotions after getting subbed out by head coach Stephanie White early in the third. The three-time All-Star was taken out of the game just three minutes into the quarter with Indiana down by 14 points.
The broadcast also captured the moment as Johnson checked in to replace Clark. The commentator noted that Clark was “very upset” as she checked out of the game.
Clark returned with 5:03 left in the third quarter, replacing Mitchell. However, the Aces continued to pour it on, and there just wasn’t a way back for the Fever.
The Fever will host the Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday in a must-win game. Clark and Co. need to bounce back if they want to keep their championship hopes alive.
