As Caitlin Clark goes, so go the Indiana Fever. She's had some up and down times against the Connecticut Sun this season, so it's definitely worth looking at the numbers and her performances to see what some of the key indicators are for today's playoff debut.
Game 1: Connecticut 92, Indiana 71 on May 14th
Caitlin Clark made her WNBA debut against Connecticut on national television, fresh off leading Iowa to their landmark Final Four run. No pressure, right?
Actually, Clark played fairly well in Indiana's 92-71 loss, posting 20 points while shooting 4 for 11 from beyond the arc. Her overall percentage from the field was just 5 for 15, but her ability to score in that high-pressure environment was basically a preview of what was to come.
Two other things were noteworthy from that debut game (1) the relative lack of support she got from her teammates, with NaLyssa Smith being the only other Fever player in double figures with 13, and (2) the fact that Clark had ten turnovers. The first was an early indicator of her lack of familiarity with her teammates, while the second would come back to haunt her at various points during the season.
Game 2: Connecticut 88, Indiana 84 on May 20th
Her second game of the year against the Sun went much better. Indiana lost again, this time at home, but it was a close one, with a final tally of 88-84. Clark's overall game showed more balance, as she scored 17 points with five assists.
More importantly, four of the Fever's five starters ended up in double figures. The specifics included Kelsey Mitchell with 17 as Aliyah Boston added 10, but this game indicated the potential of Indiana's new Big 3. Clark also fought through an ankle injury during that game, but overall it was also a solid sign that these two teams could eventually become rivals.
Game 3: Connecticut 89, Indiana 72 on June 10th
The Sun reestablished their superiority in the third meeting, winning an 89-72 route. Indiana was showing serious signs of fatigue after their brutal early schedule, and Clark had just ten points in this one.
The only positive takeaway was Aliyah Boston's double-double as she scored 14 to go with a dozen boards, but Clark and Lexie Hull were the only other Fever players to make it to double figures.
The Sun, meanwhile, were as hot as their moniker. The win boosted Connecticut's record to 10-1, and it was their 11th straight win against the Fever, a streak that dated back to July 3, 2021. Clearly, Indiana was more than due for a breakthrough win.
Game 4: Indiana 88, Connecticut 84 on August 28th was the breakthrough game for Caitlin Clark
The Fever finally got that win during their fourth and final game against the Sun, but it definitely wasn't easy. Indiana ran out to a 33-26 lead in the first quarter, but Connecticut closed the gap in the second half before a full-throated crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Clark had her best game of the season series in this one, but she had plenty of company in the scoring column. She got 19 and Kelsey Mitchell had 23, with Lexie Hull chipping and adding 17 unexpected points. Clark's seven turnovers represented her biggest issue in the box score, but what stuck out the most was the chemistry she'd developed with her teammates.
Playoff Game 1: The story continues
Today's playoff opener represents the latest chapter in this ongoing saga, and it should be a fascinating chapter. Can the Fever break through again, or will the Sun hold serve at home? How will Caitlin Clark fare?
She'll be on the road in a tough playoff environment for the first time, but if there's one thing we've learned about Clark, it's that she has a knack for coming through with big games when the spotlight shines brightest.