Caitlin Clark had the best offensive game of her young WNBA career, but it wasn’t enough for the Indiana Fever to overcome a series of turnovers and red-hot three-point shots by the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Sparks went 14-for-23 (60.9%) from 3-point range in an 88-82 victory on Monday to deny the Fever their second win of the season.
Clark finished with a career-high 30 points to go along with five rebounds and six assists. He shot 7 of 16 from the field and 3 of 10 from 3-point range while scoring 13 points from the free throw line. But his seven turnovers repeatedly cost the Fever as they attempted to thwart the Sparks’ offensive attack.
Kia Nurse responded with 22 points and made 5 of 6 three-pointers to lead the Sparks offense. Aari McDonald added 21 points off the bench for Los Angeles and made 3 of 5 3-pointers. Cameron Brink, who was selected second overall in April’s draft behind Clark, had three points, three rebounds and two blocks in a step back from a sensational start to her WNBA career.
Running game after halftime favors Sparks
After trailing at halftime, 37-32, the Fever took control of the game, 43-37 with an 11-0 run at the start of the quarter. But the Sparks fought back with an 11-0 run to end the quarter sparked by 3-pointers on three consecutive possessions.
The Sparks then took control with a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to open a 76-63 lead. The Fever would respond with an 8-0 run to reduce their deficit to 79-73, but they didn’t have enough to close the gap down the stretch.
The loss dropped the Fever to 1-7 as Clark continues to deal with growing pains eight games into her professional career. The goals that were his trademark at Iowa have come pouring in. It has been accompanied by a high turnover rate.
Monday was the fourth time Clark scored more than 20 points with the Fever. It’s also the fourth time he’s committed more than six turnovers. In eight games, he is averaging 17.3 points, 6.3 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 5.5 turnovers. He is shooting 38.1% from the field and 31.3% from 3-point range.
The win was the second of the season for Los Angeles, which improved to 2-4. Come an earlier loss to the Fever that marked the first win of Clark’s career. Brink has been a bright spot in the Sparks’ difficult start to the season. He is now averaging a league-high 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 3 blocks per game while shooting 52.8% from the field and 41.2% from 3 points.