‘Interesting’: Bloodied Clark’s telling reaction as foul controversy rocks playoff exit

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have been knocked out of the WNBA playoffs after falling 94-83 to the Las Vegas Aces in the deciding game three of their first-round series.

But the loss wasn’t without controversy, with Clark left bloodied after taking an elbow to the face before weighing in on the officiating post-game.

The Fever star was caught in the face during a rebounding contest and immediately shaken up, with blood coming from her mouth following the contact.

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No foul was called on the play, with Clark running towards the referees in the aftermath.

Asked post-game about the missed call, Clark kept her response short.

“Your guess would be as good as mine,” Clark said.

It wasn’t the only foul-related talking point from the loss.

Fever coach Stephanie White also pointing towards the free throw disparity between the two teams.

Indiana attempted 20 free throws for the game compared to 35 for Las Vegas.

Clark couldn’t contain herself when White mentioned the numbers during the press conference.

“Hm, interesting,” she said.

Clark and Brianna Turner were also assessed technical fouls during the game after Turner joined the Fever huddle before Clark pushed her away.

It capped off a frustrating night for Indiana, who couldn’t do enough to keep their season alive despite remaining within striking distance.

Clark finished with 18 points, four blocks, four assists and two rebounds in the 11-point loss.

And assessing the performance post-game, Clark didn’t hold back.

“We were right there, and I feel like we played a ‘C’ game,” Clark said.

The defeat brings an end to another long season for Clark, with the Fever going down 2-1 in the first round.

She also opened up on the toll the past year and a half of basketball has taken.

“This is like obviously the most basketball I’ve played at any year of my career,” Clark said.

“To be completely honest with you, I didn’t take a break when our season ended last year.

“So, I’ve been going for almost what a year and a half or whatever it is now because I had to prepare for USA Basketball in December and then March and getting ready for our season.

“So, I haven’t taken a break from the game in a really long time.”

Clark and the Fever will now finally get some much-needed rest before turning their attention towards next season.

On the season, Clark averaged 22.3 points, four rebounds and 8.3 assists per game for the Fever.

It marks another disappointing playoff exit for Indiana, who have now been eliminated by Las Vegas in back-to-back seasons as their wait for a first WNBA championship since 2012 continues.

The Fever were eliminated in the first round in Clark’s rookie season in 2024 before reaching the semi-finals in 2025, only to bow out in the opening round once again this year.