Indiana Fever vs Connecticut Sun FULL GAME Aug 27, 2024 | Women's Basketball | WNBA Highlights 2024

ba season is underway but you know what we're so excited about it we're going to get to do it again and now for real here we go into the arms of Clark and you can hear her fans [Applause] immediately Clark coming back to the basketball Carrington all over her Clark eyes up bounces to Boston Boston one-on-one with Jones will flip it in aiyah B here's Rookie of the Year Leah Boston as the rejection comes from Smith and here comes Clark knows she's dangerous in transition Clark into the paint hooks it up and off deflected to Smith who flips it in Kaitlyn like wheeler could have grabbed it had she realized it hit her teammate first time the Connecticut Sun have sold out their home opener since 2003 that was the first game of the history of the franchise you remember that one don't you Thomas Banks it in on the spin picking up where she left off from a year ago had a historically great season for the sun who advanced to the semi-finals once again Clark can't hit the runner Boston on the offensive glass can't flip it in and Jones The Rebound now Thomas looking to push a freight train going around Clark and a whistle on Clark who it looked like was trying to avoid Thomas but gets called for the foul but Alyssa Thomas last year first player in league history to finish as the leader in total assists and total rebounds first player in league history to finish top three in rebounds assists and steals had eight triple doubles more than any other player in league history in their career she had them last season 43 fever in the early going Clark will fire in and out on a three look good crowd was anticipating it and boner the rebound here's Thomas such a locomotive in the open floor at last hits her good hands by Katie Lou out of bounds to Indiana you saw in the last possession Erica wheeler bringing the ball up this time it's Caitlyn Clark but a great look Clark to Smith can't finish but when Erica Wheeler's the one initiating the offense you saw Clark coming off screening action she will have the ball in her hands a little bit less this season because of Wheeler's ability to handle the one Kelsey Mitchell as well gives Christy sides head coach of the fever some options Thomas shot put won't go here comes Clark Clark yet to score in this first giv some space here Clark flings it to the corner Boston working hard against Jones here's Boston eight to shoot out to Smith her three is good Nelissa Smith the number two overall pick back in 2022 and has coming into this season in outstanding shape she was terrific averaged over 20 points a game in the two pre-season games bonor Banks it in was looking for a whistle did not get it but gets the bucket you can see Carrington picking up Clark 94 ft there and will try to force her right Clark goes right behind the back Bost travel and Indiana turns it over and that's one of those situations we talking to Caitlyn morning about her teammates getting accustomed to playing with her and you have to was talking about is it can just be a split second and that can be the difference between an open look or not Caitlyn is seeing it and the team still has to come along a little bit to those intricacies Christy side said we're catching up to her as she couldn't catch up to Harris who buries the three Ty Harris gets the credit for for the score but that was D Carrington's cut took two Defenders with her and that's why Ty Harris was open Ty Harris looking to build on a really promising 2023 season here's wheeler circling dishing and throwing away carington back to boner Bonner sending Carrington to the corner Bonner dips in and Banks it home D Bonner is just so long and efficient finishing around the rim using the GL class she always has size in terms of height and length on her Defender sixth on the all-time scoring list as a foul is called here against boner right in front of us Katy L Samson already has 6'4 defending her and then Olivia Nelson ad DOA 65 was the one who came with the Trap it's hard to pass out of a trap that big a 70 Connecticut run Carrington fronting Clark Smith will fire again that one too strong and boner the weak side rebound Christy Wallace into the game off the bench for [Music] Indiana Harris has it popped in the air Thomas is going to be fouled by Clark wow CN Clark has been called for a couple of touch fouls calls on Clark who's yet to score 0 for three from the floor as one assist Thomas flings it out Harris a deep one won't go and the box out from Boston the rebound from Smith Clark flings it ahead Wallace couldn't grab it and it's out of bounds to Connecticut Timeout on the floor sun on a 70 run personal fouls rather than five Clark on the bench right now with two and an assist did not score 0 for three from the floor as Connecticut turns it over Lissa Smith running the floor Pizza pies at home this is a situation Alissa Smith this season I know Caitlyn Clark's not on the floor right now but she is going to be a benefactor running the floor get ahead passes Kelsey Mitchell on the floor great sign for Indiana haris drills another three Ty Harris led the WNBA in three-point field goal percentage a season ago this year getting the starters minutes still expected to be a force from the outside here is Mitchell who was doubtful to play in this game but participated in practice yesterday bounced back well and eventually will Ascend back into the starting lineup when she's at her as well terrific three-point shooter great catch and shoot three-point shooter as well here is Mitchell Boston being guarded by Nelson adota Boston gets inside can't finish rebound knocked to the floor and grabbed by Carrington who is tapped from behind by Nelissa Smith and a foul called on [Music] Smith that's the first personal on Smith Clark on the bench with two th 13- 27 a season ago Connecticut 27 and 13 lost to the Liberty in the semi-finals before Vegas top New York for its second straight championship and a whistle here before the shot it's going to go defensive three seconds I think against Indiana defensive three seconds it's also something different from the college level right Rachel banam it's a free throw different look for what Connecticut has to offer as far as their guards go this season yeah certainly no NOAA hman uh this season she become a main stay for them Tiffany Hayes retired who was so good for them last season Rebecca Allen not a guard but was a key part of their rotation and their playoff run is out Rachel bam spent four years at Connecticut then four in Minnesota back here now with the Connecticut son outstanding three-point shooter can run the Le started her career in Connecticut those first four seasons here's carington hits the bottom of the rim and Wallace up with it for Indiana Grace Berger into the game Off the Bench as well along with tamy f benle back benl sets the screen and it's an illegal one as Indiana gives it right back that'll be the fourth turnover from the fever in this opening quarter Kaitlyn Clark on the bench for the moment has not yet scored in her debut over for three from the floor picked up two fouls here's Thomas correcting traffic T to Sho Harris eying the clock Carrington thought about it three to shoot enters and gets denied by Boston Wallace left alone will fire and hit from three Indiana doing really nice job this season well two pre preseason games in here really pushing the pace looking to advance the basketball they have the Personnel to do that bam swinging around here's Harris Harris another three is good that's the third three of the first quarter for Ty Harris it's got to be great for her confidence she did not shoot the ball great in their pre-season game but has come out here on fire here in the first quarter shoted 46% a season AG go back benley oh that's far too long and Indiana turns it over for last year big responsibility and one of the things that Stephanie white talked to us about was it's also hard to be the starting point guard on this particular veteran team as that three is air mailed because there is a lot of verbal instruction from an Alysa Thomas from a danana boner that can be hard for a younger point guard to get used to and handle back door cut Mitchell gets fouled good delivery there from Aaliyah Boston and Mitchell is going to shoot too Kelsey Mitchell even coming back from the ankle injury while the quick she had on that cut Mitchell go to the line to shoot two after the All-Star break last season average nearly 20 points per game and is seventh among all active players in career 3es made Rebecca I know you've talked about you just feel like Mitchell fits so nicely with Clark and that the pieces the young Talent of this Indiana team it's not just that they're talented it's that they're complimentary 100% Aaliyah Boston pick and roll Melissa Smith Rim running Kelsey Mitchell we saw that lightning quick cut her ability to catch and shoot create as well Erica wheeler pushing Pace she's got a nice mid-range game once they gel a little bit more keep in mind training camp was what started seven or eight days ago not that long may two weeks okay 12 days Days 12 days less than two weeks ago uh you know is it both of these teams are going to continue to progress just Connecticut's got a few more veterans in their front Court to kind of lead the charge here's Thomas barreling in and gets fouled Alysa Thomas doing the two small as she goes to the line and and playing with physicality let's take a look at the upcoming WNBA National TV schedule Thursday on Amazon Prime it's Caitlyn Clark's home opener Liberty at Indiana then Friday on ION we have a double header Washington in Connecticut Minnesota H Seattle and then a double header on ABC Saturday with the fever at Barkley Center to take on the liberty and then the defending champ Aces taking on La and their talented rookie class for more on these games please go to wnba.com or visit the WNBA app we being kind to all of you who are joining us for the first time and wanting to let you know well if you if you haven't watched Alysa Thomas and you're watching her shoot free throws and thinking why does she shoot like that she plays with two torn labrums that she just has never gotten fixed because obviously her game well doesn't need them she's been so good and then hasn't wanted to take the year off that it would require as Thomas comes up with a rebound B him a deep three short longboard Wallace six-point lead for Connecticut burger the former Indiana star when do you think the last time Caitlyn Clark sat this much in the first quarter or in a game ever yeah Wallace gets fouled by carington and Christy Wallace is going to shoot too [Applause] [Music] Tiffany Mitchell one of the new acquisitions for Connecticut this season Mariah Jefferson another as Wallace misses both free throws and here comes Thomas Thomas was jawing with the Indiana bench a little bit as she took it up the floor floor Five Points two rebounds two assists in the first for Thomas Jones doesn't get the roll rebound Jones gets it back can't finish it but gets the whistle and Bri Jones will go to the line after a hard earned trip and Indiana will send in Caitlin Clark for a final offensive possession and you can hear the crowd reacting to just seeing Clark go to the scores table that by the way was number three on benley as Jones misses the first Clark will get Wallace Jones misses both free throws benley the rebound trying to find Clark cannot it won't get a shot off that'll do it for the first quarter a low scoring on the offensive end so good at pushing Pace in your preseason games how have you liked the pace so far in this one oh go we can do so much better we can do so much that we can get out we can run we need to get to the rim we need to get Caitlyn some space where she can create um but we can be so much better in that area all right thanks a lot coach we appreciate it that's Christy sides head coach of the Indiana Fever as got a strong physique quick First Step really nice job getting into the paint Harington completes the three-point play nine-point Connecticut lead season debut here in 2024 here's Smith going behind the back elevating forced it up and off Boston the rebound aiah Boston looking to go to work Boston dips inside and lays it home nice take from Aaliyah Boston two big strong centers battling inside with Aaliyah Boston and bana Jones carington off one leg no here's Berger with the rebound Burger not picked up goes right to the cup and lays it [Applause] [Music] in Carrington one of four from the floor in the early going boner a deep three short carington there to clean it up makes those kind of hustle plays Melissa Thomas not on the floor not a sight we're used to seeing Clark behind the back Smith attack she'll go behind the back bucket will not count a blocking foul is called or are they going to score the basket and say it was simultaneous with the release of the shot College got rid of the restricted area this past season W did not they're counting the basket huh wow oh are they going to okay now they're going to say no basket foul prior so they just went back on that no basket Burger to inbound still awaiting the first points for Caitlyn Clark as that's knocked Away by Mitchell here's Clark working behind Boston Clark around the Hedge tried to sneak it into Boston wasn't there Clark turns it over six for Indiana Carrington in transition passes in and another poor pass from Indiana 17 Connecticut in front more than two minutes into the second quarter Carrington has all seven Connecticut points in this second Jones trying to work Boston Jones able to finish that's big time work done by the former Allstar here's Clark around the screen from Boston will let it fly can't hit rebound Smith she gets fouled by boner and Alissa Smith will shoot two as Clark clapped their hands in frustration 0 for four from the floor now one of the things that was really interesting the other night after Indiana's preseason game Caitlyn was asked a question about how she was effective in it and she had had 12 points 8 assists six rebounds and she said well I didn't think I was effective and Melissa Smith jumped in and said no here's why she was effective this is the way she draws attention this is how it opens things up for me and for Aaliyah and for everybody else on this team and one thing we've seen thus far actually you see Caitlyn getting a little frustrated right now with her offense but they did show Caitlyn video after that game that you're speaking up and show her how people defending her and all the attention she's ging is opening up for her teammates they have to keep building that confidence in her and they did it through a video session and she understands she's getting a lot of attention that pays off for her teamm thank you Hall as Thomas flips it up short Nelissa Smith able to flag down the rebound Here Comes Clark Clark looking to take Carrington and is fouled by D Carrington that will be the first on Carrington not a bad foul slow her down feel like she's getting a headful of Ste back door nice find Boston to Mitchell for the Finish second time we seen that connection on the back door cut aiyah Boston the Rookie of the Year a season ago the number one pick a season ago every other franchise that's had consecutive number one overall picks has eventually won a championship with those players happened in Seattle twice as happened in Vegas sh clock down to one Jones flips it in again RE Jones looking like her old self back from the Achilles Clark thinking about it and then tosses it an offensive foul called on Boston as that ball was sailing into the back court that will be number two on Aaliyah [Applause] Boston which is typical in the WNBA it's very physical inside with play eight turnovers from Indiana now they have four players with at least two fouls Clark and Boston among them Harris long two is good Ty Harris is ready for the season 11 points claric working behind Boston trying to lob it inside knocked Away by Thomas third turnover from Clark Harris spinning off one leg can't get that one Nelson ad DOA trying to save it in does and now Clark comes up with a steal Clark thought about pulling up from three will dip inside and lay it in there are the first points in the WNBA career of Caitlyn [Applause] Clark and on the other end you get number three on Aaliyah Boston off seon Tesa Harris knowing her role would be different was FaceTiming on a zoom with Alyssa Thomas and danana boner what do you need from me how do you need it she was leaning into her vets asking them to help her get better danana Bonner said I'm so impressed with her reaching out to us wanting to be the leader for the team this year and you see the step forward she's taken tonight that's been happening all off season if she keeps shooting like this danana and uh and at should be saying how do you need the basketball and where do you need it foul called is steu and Dall thought could have been a travel on ktie L samelson looked like she had an argument but instead Katie Lou will go to the line to shoot two Katy L Samson playing in her first game since the birth of her child this past fall ball oh there's a Le R adorable and it never ceases to amaze me the journey these women go through from giving birth to getting back on the floor to play this professional sport smart man it should never cease to amaze any man Dam can't hit the three and it's out of bounds to Indiana Rebecca how about just a moment on the way D has guarded Caitlyn so far in this first half I think I think she's done a really nice job and and she's been physical with her off the ball she's trying to force her to go right but what's also impressive is anytime there's an on ball screen or when Connecticut can help and trap they do that and the difference between the WNBA in college when the Trap comes it's 6'4 and long it's 65 and long which makes it a lot harder to see and deliver over and a travel as Indiana turns it over again that's their 10th turnover of this first half and there were times you saw in the preseason and as Christy sides talked with us about they're playing with pace and incredible fluidity allaha what we saw in Iowa with Caitlin they obviously have not been able to come near that pace here so far tonight against Connecticut and all teams struggle with that against Connecticut you have to give Connecticut so much credit for that they're going to call this off on Indiana but it looked like it clearly last hit the leg of Arrington this year if you are correct on a challenge you do get another Arrington drains the three de Carrington with 12 points in this first half and it's a 12-point Connecticut lead knocked away another turn over the 11th from Indiana here's Carrington circling shoveling and a travel from Connecticut she's ready to take that next step and we have seen steady development throughout her first three years here's Mitchell shimmying into the paint gets some body not the bucket but will go to the line to shoot too Kurt Miller who's now the coach out in La used to be here in Connecticut he would describe certain players as having a lot of Wiggle to their game yeah Kelsey Mitchell has a lot of Wiggle it's fun to watch her just kind of bounce around when she has dribble penetration Carris Le Levert is having an offbeat wiggle an offbeat wiggle offbeat wiggle that makes it tough for Defenders to stay in front of him and I thought what a genius description because it's true about Caris and it is true about some other players as well and I've never heard that combination before would you describe Kelsey Mitchell as having an offbeat wiggle or an onbeat wiggle it feels like it's in between beats it's kind of offbeat it's kind of onbeat but it's not quite either in totality is jazz more of an off like offbeat music or music efficient Autos let us know now equalent here's Bonner's jumper she got it Connecticut doing it all in this first half Clark wanted it wheeler didn't see her now Carrington back to Clark Katie L Samson now on the drive underne Smith will lay it [Applause] in play Rebecca we're also just not used to seeing these long periods of time where Clark just doesn't have the basketball either obviously some of that just credit to Carrington caring the entire Connecticut defense but also she's not always the primary ball handler bringing the ball up the floor boner another jumper danana boner stroking [Applause] it here's Clark draws two off to samelson Mitchell wow big screen from ktie Lou samuelon was stunned there wasn't a foul on bam but Mitchell hits the jumper well she did get run over [Music] yeah man of a three she got it Connecticut on fire here at the end of the second great job Rachel banam recognizing her Defender went under now Carrington picks Clark's pocket and lays it in J has come to play time out Indiana opening out four turnovers for Clark here's Bonner another step back jumper that one rolls in danana Bonner has had the mid-range flowing in this second here's wheeler wheeler draws two Katie L looking for help Clark comes back to help her a lowo three [Applause] short Clark yet to hit a three and a half as wheeler comes up with a steal is fouled by banam and that is going to be a transition take foul on banam I don't know why Connecticut's arguing this is was going for the steal with the left hand but I think that's the right call Wheeler hits the free throw remember with the transition take foul anybody can shoot the free throw that's why wheeler takes it now Katie L Samson will check out Rachel banam still contesting that she was going for the Steal here is wheeler off to Smith they dump it down B benle back benle separates and serves it in used her size on Bonner Bonner at the four in this Connecticut lineup and that's part of the reason why she prefers the three and Indiana was working on that set earlier today accusing Caitlyn Clark as a space or knowing her Defender could not help off that's why benley had the 1 V one boner gets blocked wheeler and Thomas knocks it away 34 seconds remaining so a two for one opportunity here for Indiana trying to end the half with a little bit of momentum back benley here's Clark a good look from three she got it the first three in the career of Caitlyn Clark Indiana executes the two for one they've cut the deficit down to nine Thomas spins gets smooshed show fouls drawn but this is at least the fourth foul that Alyssa Thomas has drawn here so far in this half I mean it's hard to think of many players better than her in this league at drawing foul you put Asia Wilson in that Cate because she basically never sits and she said you know there was one game where I was sick and I felt a little tired for a couple minutes that one time that one time playing professional basketball that I felt tired because I had a cold otherwise no Clark draws two and Thomas takes it away 1 second left carrying no that's how the first half will end one foul in the first half she's made the right read she's been disciplined on defense and offense that is what Stephanie white wanted from her and Stephanie said I trust her she is going to make the right decisions and she has you know D Carrington accustomed to coming in off of the bench what you can play with bursts of energy as a starter you have to have that energy and maintain it and understand that you need to be on the floor in longer stretches just the way Connecticut is attacking the with the hard hedge and double teaming and Indiana is struggling mightily to find the open players out of it but again attacking with big players makes the vision different difficult and we know Connecticut a terrific defensive team second in the League last year in defensive rating how does Indiana improve upon the way they are dealing with the hard hedge right now they're going to need to get a player up even with the player who's getting trap so it's a little bit easier pass out of it because the pass insides of the post player simply too difficult to complete right now boner a three Off the Mark Smith the rebound Here Comes Clark hit a three couple free throws late in the second after a quiet start to the game Clark Waits needs some help now no one coming back to the basketball finally wheeler does here's wheeler and a foul on Harris will keep things here with Indiana number three on Harris Aaliyah Boston has three Melissa Smith has three Clark has two she picked them up early here's Clark into the corner seven to shoot wheeler going Baseline to the reverse Corner Smith wouldn't take it drives it and leaves it short I thought she had the one more pass to C with Samson on the right wing left wing here's boner the hesitation layup won't go and it's out of bounds off of Clark stays with Connecticut knocked out of bounds again as Clark denies Carrington Clark in this game two of seven from the floor one of four from three five turnovers in that first half no rebounds yet for Clark although Indiana is winning the battle on the glass as Bonner gets fouled by Katie Lou Samson and one of the things Christy side spoke to us about when we had her live at the start of the second quarter was feeling like her team just needs to stop fouling they have really picked up a lot of fouls throughout this game thus far Connecticut eight of 12 from the line as boner who's closing in on Fifth on the alltime scoring list hits the first they keep up here's wheeler working with Boston Boston with Carrington once again fronting Clark Boston gets smothered and denied by Jones here comes carington in Strip by Clark and Indiana comes up with a steal here is Clark Clark looking to shake Carrington meets the Hedge again and that time Katie Lu Samson Rose so that there was an Out Pass here it is again same thing but Jones comes up with a steal Carrington swims in can't finish Boston the rebound now Clark little more space Clark bounces into Smith Smith what defense from Thomas great pass from Smith wheeler a three is good time out Conneticut Erico wheeler drains one from downtown single digit deficit out of that and then the one more results in the wheeler three early third quarter action nine points Sun lead the debut of Caitlyn Clark she has struggled so far tonight carington gets free de Carrington with 16 points she's played terrific defense as well here's Clark off a screen gets a look and hits second three of the game for Clark who is now in double [Music] figures and that's going to be an offensive foul on to wab boner as Clark can't worry about it too much and she said that's one of the difficult parts of guarding someone is the mental part of it not thinking you're doing something wrong when they make a tough shot sticking with your game plan here's wheeler racing inside lays it in Indiana has cut the deficit to six here's Ty Harris had a big first half Thomas shovels Bonner finishes toana boner now tied for fifth place on all time scoring list and lost a shoe a shoe just sitting there on the other end of the floor what's gone now Clark guarded by Harris tried to get a whistle did not and instead sounds like the start of a Dr Suson it certainly does let's write that book danana boner tying Candace Dupri for fifth place on the WNBA alltime scoring list next point will passer up ahead of dpri and boner on the scoring list here's banam her three off Nelissa Smith claws the rebound for seven here's Clark and she traveled she did that is going to be the eighth turnover of the night for Caitlyn Clark the father Clark has shot it better after starting over for four she's three for her last four but has turned it over obviously quite a bit here with the eight turnovers here's bam and a foul before that will be on Clark her third turnovers were an issue for Clark in the preseason as good as she was at times scoring and assisting she had 11 turnovers in those two games and I think that's going to continue to be an area for her flipping it out Carrington hooking it in Boston knocks it away Clark comes up with it here is Clark Indiana down eight Clark draws the Hedge backs away from it gets fouled by Carrington and that'll be number two on D J D J Carrington Ty Harris new starters this year for Connecticut and both have answered the bell in a huge way here in game one both have been terrific Boston fakes the hand off now gives it to Clark around the Hedge Clark will pull around and off and Thomas the rebound here's Thomas lot of space finding boner now in fifth place by herself 6,897 career points for danana boner and the ninth assist for Alysa Thomas Alissa the Smith loses it Thomas all alone to the Rim Time Out Indiana just as the fever had started to creep back in Alyssa Thomas danana boner answer the bell I mean last year she had an incredible season she just keeps getting better age has not caught up to her mother time has not caught up Mitchell gets fouled as banam could not catch up with Mitchell and can we go with we go with Mother time yeah why not although it's kind of a negative thing so maybe we'll keep it Father Time third foul on PanAm all right Rebecca let's just do an overall assessment here of Clark obviously we know so many people here tonight to watch Caitlyn after her historic run her professional debut started to find the shot a little bit up to 10 points but s turnovers they took away one what are you seeing that you think about and forecast ahead as either being issues or things that'll easily get cleaned up well again we talked about how Connecticut is such a good defensive team whether it's their on ball defense but it's really been the traps that have given her trouble at times so teams will certainly continue to do that especially if they have long Defenders to send at her nice P get ahead pass there and Mitchell to the corner Katie Lou connects on a three but I think Caitlin's teammates also when she gets rid of the basketball have to find their timing at getting it back into her hands because she does draw so much attention figure out ways she can get others open bam with an [Music] answer some good moments from Rachel banam in this game Clark had it stripped last hit her foot eighth turnover from Caitlyn Clark one of the things Clark told us before the game she joked she said I know the outside world is not going to show me any Grace if I struggle but I will fully expecting there to be an onboarding learning curve against these Pros 6251 Connecticut in front and a travel as Thomas turn turn it [Applause] over Alissa Thomas tonight eight points 10 assists four rebounds that is the 10th Connecticut turnover Indiana has turned it over 18 times tonight Clark looking to evade Carrington and a whistle on Nelson ad DOTA who was jockeying with Boston and Ryan things aren't going to get much easier for the Indiana Fever either they have a really tough stretch to start this season in terms of their first five games of the year here start on the road at Connecticut what do they have coming up oh just hosting New York then at New York then play Connecticut again two teams that were competing in the semifinals and finals a year ago and then going to Seattle to play a team that's added some star power so tough road to start D Carrington taken a minute to get into the front Court was holding her right leg Thomas that's going to be an offensive foul on Alyssa Thomas that will be her first personal as Carrington will check out limping a little bit as she does and ases Carrington checking out provide an opportunity for Clark who will be guarded now by Mitchell we see the attention Carrington's getting Alissa Smith working Thomas So Physical Smith can't hit the jumper nice poke away but it still lands with Connecticut here is Thomas Thomas lobing it inside Nelson ad DOA gets denied by Boston fights back to it another chance here for [Music] Connecticut Mitchell with one to shoot can't reverse in loose ball ends up the arms of Indiana Great look Smith able to finish off the dime from Caitlyn Clark this the second assist for Clark I really like her connection though with Melissa Smith I think that's going to be a fierce one as the season goes on 13 points for Smith here's Harris wrapping around ban him a three won't go rebound Smith her ninth of the game back to Clark with some space into the corner ktie Lou can't hit the three would have been a big one for Indiana could have cut it to six instead it's Thomas up with it and a foul here against Indiana let's take a look at what happened to D caring to that right leg Grace berer will check in Holly guys they're rolling it out like it appears to be a cramp she's ingesting all kinds of electrolytes fluids gels trying to get that to stop and they're needing that calf muscle behind her knee I do think it is a cramp but I'll double check during the break well if anyone has played worthy of cramping tonight with their energy expended it is D Carrington who's been all over the floor and all over clark here's Thomas push shot Banks off good box out there I like that as a definer a cramp worthy performance back benley lays it in now Indiana a couple times in this quarter has cut it to seven cut it to six they haven't been able to get over that hump Connecticut has consistently had the answer Harris a deep jumper and that's going to be an offensive foul Nel adota Nelson adota did not need to roll the defender was already Clau on her Harris had the space just hold under ground two for one opportunity here for [Music] Indiana here's Clark using the screen from Boston hits her with the pocket pass Boston dips inside can't finish and a whistle going the other way benley is going to get called for the foul I believe they said they called it on number 10 there's no number 10 on the floor for Indiana so they change it to 14 on benley and that is going to be her fourth personal I believe this is going to be shots for Connecticut as well yeah they're in the bonus so free throws here that's a loose ball foul so it's free throws here for Connecticut again missed opportunity there for Indiana to creep a little closer Connecticut comes up with a stop now there at the line Alyssa Thomas will shoot two with Alissa Aaliyah Boston first caught that ball should have put it right up let's take a look at the upcoming WNBA National TV schedule Thursday on Prime it's the Liberty at Indiana the home debut for Caitlyn Clark Friday on ION a double Eder Washington in Connecticut Minnesota post Seattle and then Saturday on ABC what a double header Indiana in New York at rocking Barkley Center and LA in Vegas to face the defending champs for more on these games please go to wnba.com or visit the WNBA app so happy the WNBA season is back it's awesome for second Difference game in shot clock Clark HS away attacks Clark gets the foul and will shoot two really nice set elbow entry the post player sets the screen and then Caitlyn did a really nice job dragging the double team out well what was Clark's career high in turnovers and long but Connecticut led by D Carrington has done a wonderful job on Clark thus far this evening 12 points now for Clark shot clock turned off three to shoot Harris step back jumper you bet Ty Harish beats the buzzer and that's how the third quarter will end appeared to be a cramp of sorts in the lower leg heads back to the locker room as Jones finds Thomas for the tough finish that big to Big connection double team came and Banna Jones still able to pass out of it 10-point Connecticut lead Clark on the bench to begin the fourth with 12 points two assists and eight turnovers in her WNBA debut here's Smith off one leg no rebound Thomas Thomas pedals ahead loses it settles Harris [Music] patient eight to shoot Thomas will hand hit follows it up right around Smith that's an easy offensive rebound Thomas gliding her way to the back court Alissa Smith simply did not box out after the contest Melissa Smith misses the three boner the [Applause] rebound Lissa Thomas meanwhile 13 points 10 assists eight rebounds closing in on another Tri triple [Music] double Harris behind Thomas Harris forced it up can't get it to drop benl the rebound off to Wheeler wheeler Zips into the paint lays it in [Applause] Thomas bounces Jones gets fouled and burger call Self what would you call that one knowing Alissa she'll want all of them yeah well the the rebound numbers help her get closer to her again a 12-point lead for Connecticut this is just voled from six or seven to 12 without Indiana able to get over the hump without Connecticut completely running away Boston traveled again AIA Boston has had a really tough time tonight on the interior against this Conneticut defense two of six from the floor three turnovers for Boston BR Jones has really been good defensively against Boston she can match her size and strength has just stayed between her and the basket and 20 turnovers now for Indiana as a team we see Clark who has eight of them getting ready to check back in Thomas loobs it up boner gets fouled beautiful dish from Melissa Thomas and Bonner is going to shoot two Connecticut really has done tell that there's a veteran presence here these players have played with one another we've seen it all games anytime there's a lane to cut through they cut there and their teammates find them Holly well Ryan since it amazes you so much I'm going to go back to the motherhood story because danana Bonner is a miracle of physical magic she has given birth to twins as you heard at the end of our interview she said hello to Callie and Demi those are her two little girls that are at home she said it's been one of the hardest things of her life to have twins she was on bed rest for the last month of her pregnancy in the hospital but here she is back out on the court being an All-Star being at the highest level fifth alltime scoring and mother of two it is incredible Holly and danana all these years in the league still getting it done at such a high level Clark draws two finds Wallace here's Clark thought about the three guarded here by Thomas maybe the best individual defender in the league Clark gives it Up To Boston two to shoot Boston and another Indiana turnover that is 21 Alissa Thomas not giving up a season ago who did things we had never seen in this League's history helped guide Connecticut to the semi-finals where they've been each of the last five years and Bonner trying to help Connecticut [Applause] separate last year boner had had 16 games with at least 20 points starts this one with 20 that was the second most in league history by a player in their 14th season or later only Diana terasi who had 20 back in 2018 with more Clark got some space probing drags out Nelson adota Clark will fire and hit the three Caitlyn Clark with their third three of the night as her parents celebrate Alissa Thomas was the prim Defender until the switch and then 65 Nelson ad DOA ended up on the perimeter on Clark here's Ty Harris can't answer rebound F benl here is Clark started by banam trying to shake around her Clark thought about pulling again it's Nelson ad DOA Clark drags her out finds Mitchell Mitchell sneaks inside can't finish it and Thomas the rebound her ninth Harris a three she got it fourth three of the night for Ty [Applause] Harris two to shoot Mitchell in trouble and a foul on Bon knew it a reminder coming up next Indiana turnover 22 of them tonight for the fever you know that is going to be at the top of the docket for Christy sides when they review film and get ready for Thursday's matchup against the Liberty in Indiana Rebecca went through for you the gauntlet that The Fever start this season with Clark around the screen from Boston to the corner Berger just no space Connecticut everywhere here's Clark with Bantam guarding her Clark gets bumped will take and hit from three Clark up to 18 points for fourth three of the [Applause] night after a slow start start with her shot we have seen that come along five of seven after she started over for four Mariah Jefferson into the game and knocking it down the second time Adan a Carrington hard cut to the basket has taken two Defenders and gotten her teammate an open three Clark gives it up gets it back dribbles between two bodies in and gets fouled Kaitlin Clark with a little more zest in her attack in this fourth quarter let's [Applause] go well Caitlyn now with 20 points in her debut has the last eight for Indiana but Connecticut maintains a 14-point edge Jefferson can't hang on Mitchell the steel foul called against Connecticut Connecticut's done a couple of really good things on the defensive end number one they have limited Indiana for the most part in transition they picked Caitlyn Clark up in early to limit transition opportunities they've done a great job trapping they for forc turn hovers and there was nearly another one here's Clark will fire can't hit rebound Alyssa Thomas and she has her triple double here the crowd reacting as Connecticut it's some players in the WNBA well last year when she didn't win MVP and had the season she had she said look I had a season nobody's ever had before and we'll probably never see again unless I do it very well aware of what a unique talent she is and how unique her production is in this league the other thing is while she hasn't won a championship here as their best player coming up Asia a two-time league MVP getting ready to go it's ring ceremony night in Vegas Diana terasi and New Look Phoenix getting ready to take on the aces here's Clark storming in Camp bank at home doesn't get the whistle final three minutes of this contest Jones traveled [Applause] 15th turnover from Connecticut 22 tonight from Indiana Indiana is shooting just a hair under 48% which is quite good yes especially against Connecticut yeah just turning the ball over so much Clark has nine of those turnovers her first pro game Burger putting it on the deck surrounded and guess what another turnover from Indiana their 23rd this just nowhere to [Applause] go 8367 Connecticut in front 230 to go in the [Applause] fourth bam crossover cut X there's your exclamation point from Rachel bam Wallace hits the [Music] jumper on the assist from Clark her [Music] third Clark the leading score for Indiana with 20 we haven't seen Alissa Smith in a while she was effective early not so much late great look initially from Clark but Thomas gets to it 10th turnover from Clark Carrington wanted a whistle didn't get [Applause] it here's Clark wide open deep three missed it she knew it and was pointing left as she took it timeout Connecticut it's all sun with 135 to go she gets her home home opener on Thursday against New York and she'll be back on our air on ABC on Saturday as part of a double Eder and then on Monday night at home here's Mitchell twisting away left it short Mitchell gets fouled and free throws here for Tiffany Mitchell a reminder coming up next it's Phoenix and Vegas the Mercury taking on the defending Champion Aces really eager to see how Vegas is going to look uh for Chelsea Gray for however she long she is out with her lower leg injury best point guard in the league a season to go without question Chelsea Gray 15 points a game seven assists a game just a hair under having a 50 4090 season in terms of efficiency and that was on the heels of maybe the sing greatest postseason run we've ever seen from a player in 2022 from Gray in route to Vegas's first [Music] championship berer put up the long two and hit it rebound Carrington final minute of this fourth boner and Alissa Thomas have gone to the bench Clark remains on the floor for Indiana here's Nelson ad DOA eight to shoot Mitchell knocks down the jumper impressive performance from Connecticut tonight great production from their stars and outstanding production from the others for Connecticut which is so key if they want to reach their lofty expectations this year yes Connecticut has to be thrilled with the way they set the tone on the defensive end and with the way it number of their players have scored efficiently here in the opening [Music] [Applause] game Carrington three to shoot will drive it in can hit the layup Nelson adota does 13 seconds to [Applause] go Burger on the drive lays it in it's all cosmetic at this point the Connecticut Sun spoiled the debut of Caitlyn Clark 9271 the fight