Caitlin Clark's first ever playoff game didn't go as expected, as not only did the Indiana Fever suffer a blowout loss (93-69) to the Connecticut Sun, the superstar rookie was poked in the eye minutes into the contest by DiJonai Carrington.
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🚨Video evidence suggests Dijonai Carrington may have intentionally hit Caitlin Clark early in the first quarter of the Sun v. Fever playoff game, resulting in a black eye.
No foul was called. The #WNBA needs to investigate immediately. Does this look unintentional to you? pic.twitter.com/ue2Sf03e9O
— The Boston Post (@ABostonPost) September 23, 2024
That is to say, this seemingly led to Clark's vision being effected the rest of the game, as she did not shoot particularly well at all.
Clark had 11 points and shot only 4-for-17 from the field (2-for-13 from beyond the arc).
In view of the eye-poking incident, some fans believed it was intentional, as Carrington has history with Clark.
Nevertheless, when asked about it at practice Tuesday morning, Clark made no accusatory remarks.
"It wasn't intentional by any means. You just watched the play, it wasn't intentional," the rookie said while laughing about it.
Clark also went on to say that her eye isn't affecting her right now, and the swelling has pretty much gone down all the way.
Asked Caitlin Clark on what she’d say to the crowd that thinks the Carrington hit to her eye was on purpose: “It wasn’t intentional by any means. You just watched the play, it wasn’t intentional.” pic.twitter.com/HiMNiibpy5
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) September 24, 2024
Then reporters questioned Carrington about the accusations that some made against her.
"I don't even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye," Carrington said. "It doesn't even make sense to me. But no, I didn't. I didn't know I hit her actually. I was trying to make a play on the ball."
DiJonai Carrington on *the play* with Caitlin Clark: “I don’t even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye. It doesn’t even make sense to me. But no, I didn’t. I didn’t know I hit her actually. I was trying to make a play on the ball.” pic.twitter.com/uh04AxoEtV
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) September 24, 2024
During the regular season, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft put up impressive numbers, averaging 19.2 points (41.7% FG; 34.4% 3PT), 5.2 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.3 steals. This was enough for Clark to win AP Rookie of the Year, which was announced prior to Game 1.
Caitlin Clark is the unanimous Associated Press Rookie of the Year 😤
📝: https://t.co/5kgjhUxFr3 pic.twitter.com/P2sKxdVFeX
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 22, 2024
Clark and the Fever will hope to bounce back as they get ready for Game 2, that will take place on Wednesday in Connecticut, if necessary Game 3 will be played in Indiana (best-out-of-3 series).
Related: Foul On Caitlin Clark Upgraded To Flagrantl; Chennedy Carter Blasted By Media
