Caitlin Clark and Indiana (14-10) suffer a rather frustrating 88-75 loss against Golden State (18-7) on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, as the high-pressure Valkyries’ defense forced the Fever into several turnovers and empty possessions.
As has been the case against the Valkyries in previous matchups, Clark had an uncharacteristic shooting night, scoring only 13 points on 4 for 14 shooting, 1 for 8 on 3-pointers, and 4 for 5 from the free-throw line. However, the former Hawkeye did contribute without the ball by posting six assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes of play.
Indiana will look to bounce back into the win column on Friday when they welcome the Seattle Storm (6-20) to Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Final: Valkyries 88, Fever 75
Despite Indiana making a late fourth-quarter push, the inability to make crisp passes and capitalize on their defensive stops foiled their comeback attempt.
Clark finished with 13 points on 4 for 14 shooting, 1 for 8, and 4 for 5 from the free-throw line, to go along with six assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes of play.
Overall, tonight was a frustrating performance for Clark, which is not unusual against a Golden State franchise that boasts the WNBA’s top defense.
1:39 4th QTR: Valkyries 80, Fever 73
Golden State Timeout.
A late charge by the Fever has cut the deficit to just seven points with 1:39 seconds left in the game, forcing a Valkyries timeout.
4:14 4th QTR: Valkyries 77, Fever 65
After review, Stephanie White’s challenge is unsuccessful. The officials determined that there was no contact with Gabby Williams on her way to the basket, but Hull’s positioning obstructed her path to the hoop.
Indiana loses a timeout and the ability to challenge for the rest of the game.
Gabby Williams will now shoot two free throws.
4:14 4th QTR: Valkyries 77, Fever 65
Indiana Timeout.
Stephanie White is challenging a shooting foul call that was ruled on Lexi Hull.
Clark has 13 points on 4 for 13 shooting, 1 for 7, and 4 for 4 from the free-throw line, but has five assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 22 minutes of play.
While the former Hawkeye has found some shooting success lately, tonight is an uncharacteristic performance from the three-time WNBA All-Star
9:12 4th QTR: Valkyries 63, Fever 51
Indiana timeout.
Stephanie White has called a timeout after the Valkyries opened a 12-point advantage less than a minute into the final frame.
Compounding the Fever’s struggles is Aliyah Boston’s foul trouble, as the former South Carolina Gamecock now has committed four fouls.
Lsa Bluder and Jan Jensen in attendance
Flying in to support Caitlin Clark are current Iowa women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen and Hawkeyes legendary coach Lisa Bluter.
End of Third Quarter: Valkyries 58, Fever 51
After a highly competitive third quarter, the Fever trail the Valkyries by seven points following a solid scoring run by Golden State to close the frame.
Clark has six points on 2 for 10 shooting and 2 for 2 from the free-throw line, but has four assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 16 minutes of play.
3:36 3rd QTR: Valkyries 44, Fever 42
Caitlin Clark subs out of the game with Tyasha Harris replacing her to close the quarter.
Clark has six points on 2 for 10 shooting and 2 for 2 from the free-throw line, but has four assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 16 minutes of play.
5:56 3rd QTR: Valkyries 42, Fever 37
Golden State Timeout.
Golden State calls a timeout as the Valkyries have been stagnant on offense over the past couple of trips down the floor, fueling the start of a Fever comeback.
Clark now has four points on 2 of 8 shooting, but has three assists, two rebounds, and one block in 14 minutes of play.
8:03 3rd QTR: Valkyries 42, Fever 32
After review, the challenge is successful.
Indiana will be awarded with possession and an inbound beneath their own basket.
8:03 3rd QTR: Valkyries 42, Fever 32
Indiana timeout.
Stephanie White is challenging a call on the floor that was ruled as Valkyries possession after the officials believed the ball deflected off of Boston’s fingers.
Caitlin Clark Returns
After coming up hobbled at the end of the second quarter, Caitlin Clark is back on the floor for the Fever to start the third quarter.
HALFTIME: Valkyries 40, Fever 30
The Fever trail by 10 at the break. Caitlin Clark has played just 10 minutes, which should put her in a position to play a lot of the second half.
Clark is 1 of 5 shooting with two points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block.
The Fever are shooting just 35% as a team and 33% from beyond the arc. The Valkyries are shooting 48% from the field at the break. Golden State has 11 points off eight first-half Indiana turnovers.
Caitlin Clark back to the bench with 4:20 remaining in 2nd quarter
As the Fever continue to navigate a minutes restriction for Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull entered in place of Clark with 4:20 remaining before halftime.
If Clark doesn’t reenter until the second half, Clark will have logged 10 first-half minutes. Clark has two points on a 1 of 5 shooting effort, including 0-of-2 from 3-point range. Clark also has a pair of rebounds and assists.
2:58 2nd Quarter: Valkyries 35, Fever 29
The Fever trail by six, 35-29, with less than three minutes before halftime. Clark is on the scoreboard with her first made field goal of the night.
Caitlin Clark still scoreless, assists Aliyah Boston
Caitlin Clark is still scoreless as the midway point of the second quarter approaches. The Fever trail the Valkyries, 29-25 with 5:39 left until halftime.
Clark is 0 of 3 shooting but now has two assists. Clark just found Aliyah Boston inside for two.
Caitlin Clark has her first assist
Valkyries timeout.
Clark feeds Makayla Timpson inside and the Fever are back within one, 24-23.
End of 1st quarter: Valkyries 20, Fever 18
After trailing by as many as 10 points early, the Fever have knifed into the deficit and trail, 20-18, after one quarter of play.
Clark is scoreless, but she has only seen four minutes of action thus far.
Kelsey Mitchell is leading the way for the Fever with nine points on 4 of 7 shooting.
Caitlin Clark is scoreless in her opening four minutes
Caitlin Clark has seen four minutes in the opening quarter. Clark is scoreless on a 0 for 3 shooting effort so far, including 0 of 1 from beyond the arc.
Clark has two rebounds.
Caitlin Clark expects another minutes restriction
Caitlin Clark said she expects to be on a similar minutes restriction as last Sunday as the Fever host the Valkyries tonight.
Where to watch Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries: Caitlin Clark points, stats
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
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By Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire | USA TODAY Network
