Is Caitlin Clark out of 2024 WNBA playoffs? Closer look after Fever's Game 2 loss to Sun

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever fought hard in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Connecticut Sun, but their valiant effort fell short in an 87-81 defeat. The star rookie played every second of the game, finishing as the top scorer on the court.

The Game 2 loss marked the end of the road for Clark and the Fever as they are now out of the playoffs. Had they won, a Game 3 would have taken place in Indiana on Thursday, but they dropped both games of the series, which were played in Connecticut.

The rookie sensation went out in style, recording 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds, one steal and a block while playing the full 40 minutes. She is the first rookie in league history to tally at least 25 points, five assists and five rebounds in a playoff game.

She shot 10-of-23 from the floor, hitting 3-of-12 attempts from beyond the arc, and went a perfect 2-for-2 from the free throw line.

After being down by 11 in the fourth quarter, the Fever mounted a 12-2 run, capped by a Clark 3-pointer to take a 71-70 lead.

However, Marina Mabrey quickly stopped their momentum with a three of her own, contributing six points in the Sun’s game-clinching 17-10 run.

Kelsey Mitchell also played the full 40 minutes for the Indiana Fever, tallying 17 points, three assists and three rebounds on 7-for-12 shooting.

Aliyah Boston added 16 points and pulled down 19 rebounds in nearly 32 minutes of play.

The Sun had five players score in double figures. Mabrey led Connecticut with 17 points off the bench, while Alyssa Thomas contributed 19 points and 13 assists, and DeWanna Bonner added 15 points and eight rebounds.

DiJonai Carrington and Veronica Burton chipped in with 10 points each to boost the Sun’s efforts.

What’s next for Caitlin Clark?

During the Game 2 broadcast, ESPN commentator Ryan Ruocco said basketball fans likely won’t see Caitlin Clark on the court again until the next WNBA season.

"We talked to Caitlin Clark earlier today. She said she almost definitely will not play basketball this offseason. So it is likely we will not see her play again until April," Ruocco said.

Typically, WNBA players spend their offseasons playing in overseas leagues to earn more money. There is also the upcoming Unrivaled 3x3 league, where Angel Reese and other WNBA players are set to compete.

Clark ended her rookie campaign with averages of 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds, earning the unanimous AP Rookie of the Year title.