Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever look to keep their season alive against Connecticut in Game 2

Caitlin Clark exerted every effort to prevent the Indiana Fever from being eliminated. It was simply insufficient.

The incredible youngster led Indiana to an 87-81 defeat against Connecticut in Game 2, scoring 25 points and dishing out nine assists.

Compared to her postseason debut, when she finished with just 11 points on 4 of 17 shots, this night was considerably better.

Clark had a record-breaking season on and off the court. She set the league record for individual games played (19), and she also broke the record for assists in a single season. Despite playing in 40 games, Clark broke the rookie record for most points in a season.

Outside of the court, Clark and the other rookies have helped the WNBA’s ratings and attendance tremendously.

Fans watched despite Game 1’s lopsided loss; according to ESPN, the game averaged 1.8 million viewers, making it the WNBA’s most viewed postseason matchup since the 2000 Finals. Despite playing against the NFL, it was the most viewed playoff game on in history.

This year’s highest-viewed WNBA game saw record viewership from six separate league broadcast partners. The Fever was present in each of the games.

Indiana topped the league in both home and away attendance because of Clark. On the road, the Fever averaged over 15,000 and 17,036 at home. When Indiana came to town, four clubs shifted their home games to larger arenas in order to accommodate more fans.

Clark is aware that in order to keep her debut WNBA season going, she will need to improve. She’s “embracing the challenge” of attempting to force Friday night’s Game 3 in Indianapolis.

“We know we’re capable of beating this team,” Clark said.

The WNBA has benefited greatly from Clark and her fellow rookies’ increased viewership and attendance.

The game attracted spectators despite being a blowout loss; according to it averaged 1.8 million viewers, making it the most watched WNBA playoff game since the 2000 Finals. Despite playing against the NFL, it was the most viewed playoff game on ESPN in history.

This year’s highest-viewed WNBA game saw record viewership from six separate league broadcast partners.

Indiana had the highest attendance in the league, both at home and away, thanks to Clark. The Fever averaged more than 15,000 when traveling and 17,036 at home.

When Indiana visited town, four teams relocated their home games t larger arenas to accommodate more spectators.

In her postseason debut, Clark had a difficult day, only scoring 11 points on 4 of 17 shots. Yes, she did have eight assists. DiJonai Carrington unintentionally jabbed her in the eye during the first few minutes of the match.

By no way was it deliberate, according to Clark. “It wasn’t intentional; just watch the play.”

Despite her terrible shot, the unanimous Associated Press Rookie of the Year said that the poke had no effect on her other than giving her a slight black eye.

“I wasn’t bothered by it,” Clark stated. “It was obviously not a pleasant experience when it occurred.”

Clark is aware that in order to keep her debut WNBA season going, she will need to improve. She’s “embracing the challenge” of attempting to force Friday night’s Game 3 in Indianapolis.

Maya Moore and Caitlin Clark now share this statistic:

Clark became just the second WNBA rookie in postseason history to score 20 points, pull down five rebounds, and dish out five assists, joining her childhood idol, Maya Moore. Who else but the ex-novice did that? None other than Caitlin Clark’s preferred player, Maya Moore.

Connecticut 41, Indiana 34 at the half:

Anyone interested in playing defense for Indiana? In the second quarter, it didn’t appear that way as Connecticut took advantage of the transition and scored in the open court, leaving Indiana largely inactive and giving the Sun a 41-34 lead at the intermission.

Marina Mabrey leads the Sun with nine points, while four other players have already scored six or more. Alyssa Thomas, the triple double queen, has already accumulated six points, eight assists, and three rebounds.