The Connecticut Sun blazed through the Indiana Fever like a shooting star, extinguishing Caitlin Clark and company’s playoff hopes with an 87-81 win. That’s right, the Fever may have been hot to start, but the Sun’s intense rays were just too much to handle, sending Clark packing earlier than she’d hoped. For the third-seeded Sun, it’s on to the semifinals where they’ll now face either the Lynx or Mercury.
Alyssa Thomas: Triple-Double Machine, Now with Extra Wins!
If anyone was tired of needing a third game to advance, it was Alyssa Thomas. “Finally locked in and took advantage of home court,” she said, likely letting out a long sigh of relief. Thomas, who’s been dishing out triple-doubles like a blackjack dealer at a Vegas table, dropped 19 points and 13 assists. It’s safe to say she was the conductor of this feverish orchestra, making sure the Sun’s music played louder.
The previous seasons had seen the Sun sweating it out on the road to squeeze through the first round. But this time, with Thomas firmly in charge, it’s bye-bye Indiana, and hello, semifinals!
Caitlin Clark: Rookie of the Year but Short of a Happy Ending
Caitlin Clark came into this game ready to shake off her rookie nerves and put on a show—and she didn’t disappoint. Well, at least for 25 points and nine assists worth of entertainment. The rookie phenom hit shots from beyond the arc and even had the gall to tie the game late. “Obviously, it’s a tough one,” Clark said after the loss, clearly grasping for words as her first playoff run ended in heartbreak.
But hey, look on the bright side, Caitlin—many don’t even make it this far in their first year. For a player who has a whole career ahead of her, we’re betting on this being more of a learning curve than a slump.
Bonner Breaks Fever with One Big Bomb!
Just when you thought Indiana might actually, finally, pull this one out, up stepped DeWanna Bonner. Oh, but it wasn’t just any shot. With 45.5 seconds left, Bonner decided it was time to send a parting gift, knocking down a dagger 3-pointer that put Connecticut up 81-77. Cue the deflation on Indiana’s bench. That was it. The Sun had set on the Fever’s season.
Bonner, playing in her record-tying 82nd playoff game (yes, 82—talk about being a veteran of the WNBA trenches), matched Lindsay Whalen’s mark and made it count. Indiana may have clawed back after trailing by as much as 10 in the second quarter, but the Sun’s veterans had the last laugh.
Aliyah Boston and the Battle on the Boards
Indiana’s standout center Aliyah Boston did everything short of tap dancing to keep the Fever in the contest. With a stat line of 16 points and 19 rebounds, it felt like Boston was hauling in boards like a super-enthusiastic grocery shopper on a Black Friday sale. She even gave Indiana a brief 77-75 lead with a layup late in the game—only to see Bonner drop that soul-crushing 3 seconds later.
Not all was lost, though. The Fever put up a fight, and Boston’s rookie season has been nothing short of sensational. But when the game was on the line, experience and composure ruled.
Marina Mabrey’s Moment of Glory—and Other Playoff Dramas
While Caitlin Clark was the headliner, Marina Mabrey turned in a clutch performance when it mattered. Filling in for the injured Tyasha Harris, Mabrey made her presence known, including a 3-pointer late in the fourth that left the Fever reeling.
But wait, there’s more: Let’s not forget Kelsey Mitchell’s attempt at a miracle 3 on Indiana’s next possession—it fell short, just like the Fever’s hopes. From buzzer-beating attempts to bizarre fan interactions (Clark had a fan escorted out in the first quarter—yes, really), this game had a little bit of everything.
The Rollercoaster Recap
Indiana burst out of the gates looking like they might just stun the Sun. Up 14-6 early, they were blazing hot. But as quickly as the Fever ignited, Connecticut’s defense iced them out, going on an 11-0 run to close the first quarter. By halftime, the Sun led 41-34, with Carrington, the league’s Most Improved Player, showing why she’s deserving of that title.
The back-and-forth continued through the second half, with lead changes, scuffles, and a few bruises along the way. Erica Wheeler even went flying into courtside photographers on the last play of the half—no word yet if the cameras survived. But the real story? The Sun’s refusal to let this one slip. They wanted the sweep, and they got it.
End of the Road for Clark and Fever, but… What’s Next?
For the Sun, it’s onto the next challenge, facing either Minnesota or Phoenix in the semifinals. As for Clark and the Fever, it’s time to reflect, regroup, and maybe spend some extra time on the golf course. Their playoff dreams are over, but it was a season worth watching, one filled with rookie revelations and near-misses. The future? Bright. But tonight? It’s all Connecticut.
So long, Fever—thanks for the thrills, the spills, and the late-game chills. The Sun has set on your season, but don’t worry, you’ll rise again. Just, you know, not this year.