“The f—k you think this was” shouted an amped up Caitlin Clark after hitting a 4th quarter dagger 3, contested from well behind the arch by presumed MVP A’ja Wilson.
Our beloved Hawkeye legend and her Indiana Fever faced playoff elimination Tuesday night having lost game 1 on Sunday (WNBA round one playoff series are best of 3). The Fever were swept out of the playoffs Caitlin’s rookie year, and since she was injured for the Fever’s run last year, she had not yet won a WNBA playoff game. There was serious
worry that the Fever, who had indicated that this year was a title or bust year, would finish their season without a single playoff win to show for it. Many fans had expressed frustration over game one, a game which featured some confusing lineup decisions and a team that looked like it was simply not prepared for playoff basketball. The Aces, meanwhile, entered game 1 with incredible energy, bullying and outhustling the overwhelmed Fever. A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray in particular played like killers on their way to big nights and the Aces rolled to a dominant 102 – 85 win.
Game 2 was different to say the least. Caitlin opened the scoring with a made 3 pointer and played with an edge from the jump. But the Fever really started to gain a mental edge on the defending champs with about 3 minutes left in the first quarter when Myisha Hines-Allen fouled A’ja Wilson as she was trying to get around her and gave her an extra shove after the whistle. The two exchanged some words, Caitlin clapped, Sophie Cunningham encouraged the crowd to cheer. At this point it was clear that the Fever had come in ready to be the bully rather than take the bullying.
A little over a minute of game time later, Caitlin provided help defense to Hines-Allen, tied up A’ja Wilson, and then forcefully ripped the ball away from her, imploring the fans to get loud once again.
Neither of these plays changed the score, but they were indicative of a tone that had been set and would be kept throughout the game by the Fever. Instead of letting A’ja Wilson control the game, which she certainly did in game 1, the Fever went at her every chance they got. Caitlin Clark in particular was spicy all game. The aforementioned dagger she shot right in the face of A’ja late in the 4th quarter is an all time Caitlin moment.
The Fever were so successful at irritating Wilson that it culminated in an unfortunate blow-up where Wilson appeared to intentionally run over Sophie Cunningham and then went into the stands to confront a Fever fan who had pointed at her. Note that this happened the play after Caitlin shot a huge 3 right over her.
The fan, to his credit, sat down when Wilson came at him and the situation was de-escalated by security. It could have been a scary moment had the fans or players escalated matters further. The malice at the palace game from 2004 when Indiana Pacers player Ron Artest entered the stands and began attacking fans came to the minds of some. A’ja Wilson received a technical foul and the Fever reported that the fan did not break any rules and was allowed to remain in his seat.
Wilson doubled down after the game, claiming that the fan’s conduct was unacceptable; but the fan clearly posed no threat to the players. Wilson going into the stands created a safety issue. Her refusal to take any accountability for her recklessness was unfortunate. The WNBA has yet to make a statement or hand down any additional punishment, and I expect that nothing else will be done. The WNBA has often been criticized for a lack of control over the games to the point where player safety is at risk. Once again the WNBA has set a dangerous precedent by not disciplining players who crossed a line that historically in basketball has been strictly enforced.
The above was not the only incident where Wilson was visibly frustrated. The Fever clearly set out to get under her skin and were successful in doing that. There were multiple plays where Wilson shoved and elbowed other players. The below incident happened after Wilson entered the stands, which, by WNBA rules should have resulted in her suspension.
Caitlin was also fouled out of the game in a play where A’ja aggressively came down with her elbow onto Caitlin’s shoulder and then stood over her and yelled.
If you believe, as I do, that the WNBA is overly deferential to A’ja Wilson, last night provided ample support for that belief. She was out of control and the refs did nothing to reign her in.
Despite fouling out late in the 4th, Caitlin Clark finished the game with 27 points, 15 assists, and 7 rebounds, leading the Fever in each category. CC set yet another WNBA record by posting the only playoff game in league history with at least 25 points and 15 assists. In my opinion, this was the best game of her WNBA career, taking into account the stakes of the game. She was the best player on the court in a game that the Fever had to win. The fire she played with reminded me of some of her best games at Iowa; the 2023 final four victory over South Carolina especially comes to mind.
Onto the Next
Tonight it’s back to Las Vegas for the decisive game 3. Both teams are now facing elimination so I expect that we will see even more venom and fireworks between the teams. Caitlin has proven that when she is dialed in she can will her team to victory. A’ja Wilson has a track record of doing the same. It’s going to be a do or die clash between the two best players in women’s basketball tonight. This is a must watch showdown and will be a legacy defining game for both players.
Tip tonight is 8:00 CST on USA and CNBC. The Aces are favored by 4.5.
