INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 30: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 questions being called for a delay of game against the Dallas Wings during a preseason game on April 30, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 30 Preseason Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260434
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 30: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 questions being called for a delay of game against the Dallas Wings during a preseason game on April 30, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 30 Preseason Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260434
Despite forcing a Game 3, Caitlin Clark now faces scrutiny for her role in the loss against the Aces. The WNBA star's shot-making caught unexpected criticism from sports broadcaster Kelsie Kasper.
The Fever’s hopes to qualify for the semis ended on Thursday with the 94-83 defeat. Kasper pointed out that a reason for that would be Clark and Kelsey Mitchell undergoing a shooting slump after the first quarter.
“Their shots just weren't falling,” Kasper said. “Caitlin Clark hit a three to start the game. They scored 31 points in that first quarter. But after that, they didn't score more than 20 in each of those quarters.”
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 11: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 throws a pass against the New York Liberty on August 11, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA AUG 11 New York Liberty at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon26081143
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 11: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 throws a pass against the New York Liberty on August 11, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA AUG 11 New York Liberty at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon26081143
The criticism comes as unexpected, as Clark is usually the one spearheading the Fever offense. However, Thursday night was a different story.
Clark began with a three and went on to score 11 points in the first quarter. However, for the rest of the game, she was restricted to just seven points.
It wasn’t a typical Clark performance, as she finished 6-of-18 shooting. Mitchell, on the other hand, led the Fever in scoring with 23 points.
The second-half drought shifted momentum. Clark's frustration showed in her body language.
“So I think they were a bit frustrated or disappointed because the shots they normally make weren't falling,” Kasper added, as shown on Yahoo Sports' X post. “And I think that can get frustrating sometimes.”
After a sensational Game 2 performance in which Clark finished with 27 points and 15 assists, Thursday’s 18 points and four assists felt off her mark.
Yet to win a playoff series in her career, Clark had her say on the performance.
Clark takes blame for subpar execution
Caitlin Clark believed that the Fever were right there, sniffing at the idea of the semis. However, their subpar gameplay took that far from them. Now it’s time for a much-needed break for her.
“We were right there, and I feel like we played a ‘C’ game,” Clark said, per Fox Sports' Josh Higgins. “This is like obviously the most basketball I’ve played at any year of my career."
Back in December, Clark was present at Team USA training camp. As a result, she missed out on taking any break from the sport in the offseason.
After a season in which Clark averaged 22.3 points, four rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in the league, the Fever guard now deserves some vital time off the court.
The Fever had the highest offensive rating this season. However, failing to make shots when it mattered most cost them the first-round playoff game.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar