Caitlyn Clark, still recovering from a groin injury, watched from the sidelines as Aliya Boston and the Indiana Fever narrowly lost to Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings 81-80 on Tuesday night. Boston contributed 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, along with five rebounds and one assist. Kelsey Mitchell had a chance to clinch the game for the Fever with a go-ahead shot in the final seconds but missed. Boston also accumulated three personal fouls and appeared frustrated with some of the officiating during the game.
By the end of the third quarter, Dallas led 67-55 even without All-Star Arike Ogunbowale. Cameras caught Clark walking toward the court, where she intervened in a tense moment involving Boston and the referee, successfully calming the situation. Fever staff helped Boston off the court, and Clark returned to the bench.
Indiana has played 21 games this season and remains without Clark for the last 11, yet the team is still fighting for a playoff spot, holding an 18-15 record after this close defeat. Meanwhile, despite Bueckers’ impressive Rookie of the Year campaign, the Wings slipped to 9-24.
The Fever’s next game is a rematch against the Washington Mystics on Friday, featuring a matchup between Sonia Citron and the Mystics.
Fan Take: This intense and tightly contested game highlights the grit and determination of key WNBA players like Clark and Boston, fueling excitement for the playoff race. It underscores the growing competitiveness of the league, which is crucial for the sport’s increasing popularity and fan engagement.
