{
  "id": 11347819,
  "title": "Caitlin Clark struggled as the Fever suffer first round playoff exit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/caitlin-clark-struggled-as-the-fever-suffer-first-round-playoff-exit",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T03:46:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/caitlin-clark-struggled-fever-suffer-034647676.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Indiana Fever in the first round of the WNBA playoffs, ensuring the Fever's exit from the postseason. A mix of subpar shooting, controversial calls, and A'ja Wilson's impact sealed the Fever's fate. Caitlin Clark started the game well, making three of her first four shots and scoring 11 points in the first quarter. However, she later struggled, finishing with 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting and just three three-pointers. Clark also committed six turnovers and had only four assists after an impressive Game 2. Despite the Fever's efforts, they couldn't close the gap, and questionable officiating played a significant role. The emotional hit to Clark's face nearly cost her the game. While Clark's performance drew most of the attention, A'ja Wilson was truly the star of the game, scoring 36 points on 11-of-18 shooting and adding 10 rebounds. Her presence affected multiple players, including Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, who finished with 23 points on 7-of-23 shooting. Aliyah Boston was the only Fever star to have a respectable game with 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Sophie Cunningham, who played 24 minutes off the bench, scored five points. Chelsea Gray, who played the entire 40 minutes, contributed with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting. With three of the last four WNBA championships under their belt, the Aces and A'ja Wilson are now set to face another challenge in the postseason.",
  "summary": "Clark struggled against the Aces defense as the Fever lost in the first round.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "The Caitlin Clark 1 is the largest women's signature …",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/the-caitlin-clark-1-is-the-largest-womens-signature",
        "published": "2026-10-02T00:53:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SB Nation",
        "title": "Fever eliminated by Aces as Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell falter",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/fever-eliminated-by-aces-as-caitlin-clark-kelsey-mitchell-falter-11369000",
        "published": "2026-10-02T05:34:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}