Caitlin Clark's WNBA playoff run with the Indiana Fever ended Thursday in Las Vegas, where a physical Game 3 loss to the Aces left the second-year guard bloodied on the court. Clark finished with 18 points, four assists, and four blocks in the 94-83 defeat at Michelob Ultra Arena where the whistles never really let up.
Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell Put Up a Fight In 1st Quarter
Tensions surfaced early when Clark and Brianna Turner drew matching technicals after a first-quarter confrontation. Head coach Stephanie White picked up one of her own shortly after.
Despite the hostile atmosphere, Kelsey Mitchell kept Indiana within reach, leading the Fever with 23 points while battling through a glaring free-throw disparity that saw Las Vegas attempt 15 more from the line.
But the game's defining moment came with just over three minutes remaining.
What Led to Caitlin Clark's Bloodied Lip in Fever's WNBA Playoffs Game?
Jewell Loyd's elbow caught Clark in the mouth during a rebound battle, forcing her off the floor for treatment with a bloodied lip. She was back on the court before play resumed, flashing the injury to referees, but no foul was called.
The Aces were able to take advantage of the chaos, with A'ja Wilson's 36-point, 10-rebound performance sealing the win for Las Vegas. The 2025 champion has now knocked Indiana out of the WNBA playoffs for a second straight year.
Still, the Fever found positives in the tough loss.
"You kind of take the burn a little bit," Clark said. "But also [remember] how much fun this season was and how together our group was and just getting to replicate that going forward."
