Caitlin Clark’s minutes limited in Fever’s regular season finale

This story was updated to add new information.

Caitlin Clark scored eight points and handed out eight assists, but the Indiana Fever dropped their final game of the regular season, losing 92-91 at Washington. 

A WNBA-record 20,711 fans packed Washington’s Capital One Arena for the contest.

The game was of little importance, though, as Indiana had already locked up the sixth seed in the playoffs. The Fever will meet third-seeded Connecticut in the first round. The series will be a best of three, with the first two games scheduled to be played at Connecticut. If a Game 3 is necessary, Indiana will host it. 

Clark played less than 20 minutes Thursday at Washington, which Fever coach Christie Sides had warned might happen during Thursday’s pregame when she said the team would be especially cautious with all its starters. Clark shot 2-of-5 from the field, both of her made shots coming on 3s. She also grabbed five rebounds and one steal. 

Clark finishes the regular season averaging 19.2 points, a league-best 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. (Clark also led the league in turnovers, with 5.6 per game, but it is common for guards who have the ball in their hands so much to top that stat category, too.) She’s broken numerous records in her first year as a pro, and is the heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year next week when all league awards are announced. 

The Fever did have a scare when guard Kelsey Mitchell, who’s been on a tear post-Olympics, badly turned her left ankle early in the game. Mitchell was slow to get back on defense and, after she was subbed out, immediately headed back to the locker room. Mitchell didn’t start the second half, but she warmed up after the break, which means sitting her — she played less than five minutes — was likely precautionary. 

Kristy Wallace led the Fever Thursday with 17 points, while NaLyssa Smith chipped in 16. Sika Kone had 20 for Washington.