Caitlin Clark once again shows that she has issues with the referees: “I thought the refs really struggled”
The Fever star wasn't satisfied despite forcing a Game 3, openly criticizing the officiating after Indiana's crucial playoff win.
The Indiana Fever will live to play at least one more game, but even the 99-89 win over the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of the first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs didn't leave Caitlin Clark completely satisfied. Indiana's star took direct aim at the officiating after the game.
After the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis , Clark voiced her frustration with the officials' decisions.
"I thought the refs really struggled tonight. It's so confusing at times," Clark said.
The Fever guard fouled out with 2:45 left in the fourth quarter. Even so, Clark led Indiana's comeback and, together with Kelsey Mitchell , helped the Fever even the series and force a decisive Game 3 .
Clark and Mitchell, decisive again
Clark turned in another outstanding performance: 27 points, 15 assists and 9 of 18 shooting from the field, including 5 of 11 from three , in 33 minutes. Mitchell added 26 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including three 3-pointers, in 34 minutes.
Indiana also contained Las Vegas' powerful duo of A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young, who combined for 53 points. The Fever also picked up the pace compared to Game 1, and the bet paid off: they took 71 field goal attempts to the Aces' 59.
From frustration with the refs to Game 3
This isn't the first time Clark has questioned the officiating in the WNBA, but now she'll have to leave the controversy behind and focus on what matters: keeping Indiana's season alive and fighting for the championship.
Game 3 , which will decide the team that advances to the semifinals, will be played Thursday at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas . The winner will face the winner of the series between the Golden State Valkyries and the Dallas Wings.
