Caitlin Clark has shouldered both the spotlight and expectations throughout her debut season with the Indiana Fever. But after Thursday’s disappointing 88-77 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, the rookie guard didn’t hide from criticism – especially her own.
Clark finished with 11 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and one steal.
While her playmaking remained strong, her shooting struggles left Indiana short in a game where they needed her scoring touch.
Coming off a 20-point effort against the Connecticut Sun just two days earlier, the dip in production was noticeable.
Reflecting after the game, Clark was honest about her performance and the realities of a long season.
“It’s a 44-game season, I’m not going to play perfect for 44 games,” Clark said.
“I think that’s where I really kind of struggled last year at times. … I didn’t play very well at Golden State, and to me, like, I wasn’t defeated after the game. Was I upset of the way my team performed? Absolutely. But, you know, that doesn’t define our season by any means.”
Fever fall short, but Clark focuses on bounce back against Aces
While Clark underwhelmed, Aliyah Boston stepped up. The second-year center recorded a strong double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal. Kelsey Mitchell added 16 points, and Natasha Howard chipped in with 13 points and five rebounds, but the Fever couldn’t match the Valkyries‘ balanced attack.
Golden State had six players score in double figures, making it difficult for Indiana to close the gap. The loss marked the Fever‘s sixth of the season and exposed ongoing inconsistencies in their offense.
Clark, however, is already shifting her focus forward. She acknowledged her strong outing earlier in the week but reminded fans that every night brings a new test.
“I didn’t play very well at Golden State… but that doesn’t define our season,” she emphasized.
Indiana’s next game offers a chance for redemption. On Sunday, they face the Las Vegas Aces and two-time MVP A’ja Wilson. It’s a matchup that not only pits Clark against one of the league’s most dominant stars, but also offers a chance to reset the narrative after a tough loss.
The Fever‘s success will hinge on Clark‘s ability to rebound mentally and physically-something she seems ready to embrace.
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