Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was visibly frustrated after Thursday's elimination loss to the Las Vegas Aces. The Fever were called for 27 fouls, eight more than the defending champion Aces, who were flagged 19 times in their 94-83 victory in Game 3 of the first round.
Fever coach Stephanie White highlighted the free throw disparity after the game. The Aces attempted 35 free throws, while the Fever took 20. Las Vegas converted 28 of its 35 free throw attempts. Indiana made 14 of its 20.
Clark showed visible frustration with officials late in the game. An inadvertent elbow from Aces player Jewell Loyd left Clark with a bloodied mouth, but no foul was called on the play.
This marks the second consecutive season the Fever have been eliminated by the Aces. Last season, the Fever reached the semifinals without an injured Clark.
Clark said she plans to focus on rest during the offseason after a busy year. "I haven't taken a break from the game in a really long time," she said Thursday night. "I've been playing for almost a year and a half straight."
Despite the season-ending loss, Clark reflected on her performance this season. "I didn't play much last year, but I was able to come out here and put together the best season I've had, and perform at a really high level, and basically get better in every area," she said.
Clark also expressed her drive for improvement. "Still feel like I have so many areas to improve, so I guess that's the most exciting part moving forward," she said. "I love the work. I love being in the gym."
The Aces advance to the semifinals to face either the Golden State Valkyries or the Dallas Wings.
