Caitlin Clark struggles in WNBA playoff debut against Connecticut

Caitlin Clark faced a challenging start in her playoff debut with the Indiana Fever against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. Despite sporting a black eye from an early accident, she struggled significantly, missing 10 of her first 11 shots. Clark managed to finish the game with 11 points and eight assists, but her shooting performance was disappointing, as she went 4 for 17 from the field and missed 11 of her 13 attempts from beyond the arc. The Fever's loss was compounded by the strong performance of Connecticut's Marina Mabrey, who scored 27 points, including 11 in a pivotal third quarter. Clark expressed frustration with her shooting, stating that she felt she had good looks but simply could not convert. Her struggles continued into the third quarter, leading to a timeout where she visibly showed her frustration by hitting a chair on the bench. The Sun's defense, particularly DeWanna Bonner's assignment to guard Clark, played a significant role in limiting her effectiveness. Bonner, standing at 6-foot-4, took on the challenge of defending the rookie, which contributed to Clark's shooting woes. Despite the tough circumstances, Clark remained optimistic about her performance in future games. The Fever had a strong fan presence in Connecticut, highlighting Clark's ability to draw support even on the road. Her performance, while disappointing, is expected to improve as she gains more experience in the playoffs, and her determination to succeed remains evident.