The Connecticut Sun dominated the Indiana Fever in their playoff matchup, winning 93-69. The Sun’s experience and top-rated defense proved too much for the Fever, who struggled to find their rhythm on offense. Forward Alyssa Thomas led the charge for Connecticut, notching her fourth career playoff triple-double.
The Sun’s defense was key, shutting down Indiana’s dynamic duo of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell. Veteran DeWanna Bonner was tasked with guarding Clark, and her length and experience proved troublesome for the young guard. Clark finished the game 4-of-17 from the field, including 0-of-7 against Bonner in the first half.
However, it wasn’t just Bonner’s defense that stifled Clark. The Sun’s strategy of using multiple defenders and different looks also contributed to Clark’s tough shooting performance. Connecticut’s defense disrupted the Fever’s rhythm, never allowing them to get comfortable.
One bright spot for the Sun was the play of Marina Mabrey, who came off the bench to score 27 points, including four 3-pointers in the decisive third and fourth quarters. Mabrey’s perimeter shooting and versatility have been a valuable addition to the Sun’s lineup.
The Fever, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing on offense. Clark and Mitchell, who averaged 19.2 points each during the regular season, combined to shoot just 4-of-23 from behind the arc. Indiana will need to regroup and find a way to get their transition game going if they hope to even the series.
In Game 2, the Fever will need to make adjustments on both ends of the court. They’ll need to find a way to contain Mabrey and the Sun’s potent offense, while also getting their own offense back on track. If they can’t, they risk being eliminated from the playoffs.
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