Caitlin Clark shoves opponent in heated Game 3 as Fever are knocked out of the playoffs

Tension was there from the first minute between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs, a win-or-go-home matchup at Michelob ULTRA Arena .

Caitlin Clark has a run-in with Brianna Turner

Just three minutes into the game, Caitlin Clark and Brianna Turner each received a technical foul after a heated exchange. During a stoppage, Turner tried to step into the Fever's huddle and Clark shoved her away.

The intensity was expected in a high-pressure game in which the winner would advance to the semifinals. Clark , known for her competitive streak, didn't want to give the Aces even the slightest edge, while Turner was looking to get into the heads of Indiana's players.

The 24-year-old guard had helped the Fever avoid elimination in Game 2 with a spectacular 27 points , seven rebounds and 15 assists in a 10-point win. It was the first playoff victory of her career.

Coach Stephanie White praised the three-time All-Star, calling her "the engine" of the team, and said she expected Clark to reach "another level" in the decisive Game 3.

Clark's complaint about the officials

Clark also criticized the officiating after Game 2, in which she fouled out with 2:45 left in the fourth quarter.

“I thought the refs really struggled tonight. It's so confusing at times,” said the player, who can do it all on the court.

At the time of this report, Las Vegas led 54-48 at halftime . Clark had 13 points, four assists and two blocks, while A'ja Wilson had 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field and two rebounds.

The Las Vegas Aces won Game 3 to advance to the semifinals, eliminating Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever from the WNBA title race.