Despite Indiana Fever missing star player Caitlin Clark due to a groin injury, the Las Vegas Aces endured a crushing 81-54 loss on Thursday night. Head coach Becky Hammon sharply criticized her team‘s performance, highlighting the disappointing effort during a game that featured poor execution on both ends of the court.
A’ja Wilson’s Solo Effort Falls Short Amidst Team Struggles
Reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson led the Aces with an impressive 29 points, but no other teammate contributed more than six points in the lopsided defeat against Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell and her squad. The Aces struggled greatly, managing a season-low shooting percentage of just 26.2 percent from the field and only 18.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Becky Hammon Openly Critiques Team’s Lack of Focus and Energy
During her postgame press conference, Hammon did not hold back her disappointment. She described the overall effort as “trash,” indicating that the team’s offense and defense were equally ineffective.
“We put a third quarter together. After that, three quarters of trash,”
she said, underscoring the extent of the team‘s failure.
Hammon went further, calling the lackluster play “a complete lack of professionalism” and pointing out that the team appeared less engaged than during practice.
“They played harder yesterday in practice by a lot, wasn’t even close. So, I don’t know how you step onto the floor with 20,000 people in the stands and perform like that,”
Hammon remarked.
She also labeled it
“one of the worst offensive, it is the worst offensive night I’ve ever seen, as far as I’ve been here in the last four years,”
emphasizing the severity of the team’s struggles. The Aces turned the ball over 19 times, compounding their troubles in a game where Indiana dominated shooting with 49.2 percent accuracy and outrebounded Las Vegas 37-26.
Impact of Caitlin Clark’s Absence Minimal as Fever Outperform Aces
Despite Clark’s absence, Indiana’s offense effectively exploited the Aces’ weaknesses. Hammon pointed out,
“They’re shooting layups. They’re shooting layups,”
highlighting the Fever’s ability to capitalize on easy scoring opportunities. Hammon added,
“Just don’t go to the defense, turn the corner. I mean, I don’t think you can play much worse at either end, but it definitely affects your offense, having to take it out from underneath the net every time.”
She painted a stark contrast between the two teams, stating,
“One team is fickle, and one team is not. One team is three steps behind, and one team is not. I mean, they busted our ass in every kind of way… there’s just no two bones about it. It’s one of the worst games I’ve ever seen.”
Aces Face Ongoing Challenges as Season Progresses
The loss dropped Las Vegas to an 8-9 record, threatening their chance to avoid a losing season for the first time since their inaugural 2018 campaign. This frustration and inconsistency on the court have been recurring, as Hammon previously expressed dissatisfaction after their loss to the Washington Mystics last week.
“My frustration has been seeing greatness in moments and seeing absolute disasters in moments, and how there’s kind of no in between. It’s one way or the other. I just want solid, basic basketball,”
Hammon said following that defeat.
Looking ahead, Hammon and the Aces will seek to rebound in their upcoming road game against the Connecticut Sun, a team struggling at the bottom of the standings with a 2-15 record. The game offers an opportunity for Las Vegas to regain momentum during this difficult stretch of their season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Whose Caitlin Clark’s bf?
A. Caitlin Clark, a rising star in the WNBA and leading player for the Indiana Fever, has a strong support system. Her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, has been with her through the excitement and challenges of her basketball career, from college standout to professional standout.
Q. How rich is Caitlin Clark?
A. By mid-2025, it is believed that Clark’s net worth will range from $4 million to $5 million.
Q. Is Caitlin Clark friends with Taylor Swift?
A. Caitlin Clark, a standout player in the WNBA and for the Iowa Hawkeyes, met pop icon Taylor Swift during the AFC Divisional Round playoff in January. During this event, Clark’s favorite NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs, beat the Houston Texans, moving on to face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship.
Q. Is Caitlin Clark rich?
A. Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the Indiana Fever, is a highly recognized name in women’s basketball today. She is not only impacting the game with her skills but also influencing player salaries. By mid-2025, Clark’s estimated net worth is expected to be between $4 million and $5 million.