Clark powers Fever past Aces to extend playoff series
Indiana avoided elimination in Game 2 of its first-round WNBA playoff series, defeating Las Vegas 99-89. Caitlin Clark recorded 27 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds to help even the series. The Fever trailed early but used a strong second-quarter run to take control and set up a decisive Game 3.
Indiana faced elimination after a lopsided Game 1 loss. Clark hit an early three, but the Fever trailed after the first quarter. Her technical foul came early in the second with Indiana down nine. Clark then scored or assisted on every point of an 11-2 run that cut the deficit to two. A 16-4 stretch gave Indiana the lead.
Indiana later led by 15 before Las Vegas trimmed it to five. Clark made two fourth-quarter threes, then fouled out with 2:45 left and Indiana ahead by nine. Kelsey Mitchell scored 26, Aliyah Boston added 22, and the Fever's top three each reached 20 for the first time since late August.
Clark's standout performance could keep the Fever's playoff run in the national spotlight, potentially drawing more casual viewers to a decisive Game 3. That attention may benefit the WNBA's broader visibility, as well as fans, local businesses, and young athletes who see a high-profile women's basketball star. It could also increase media coverage and merchandise interest around Indiana and Las Vegas. Any social or economic effects would likely depend on how the series ends and whether the momentum carries into future games.