The Indiana Fever got off to a tough start in the 2026 WNBA playoffs, and Caitlin Clark was honest about the team’s defense against the Las Vegas Aces.

The Fever lost Game 1 to the Aces on Sunday, putting Indiana behind in the best-of-three first-round series. After the game, Clark was asked to grade the team’s defense.

She didn’t sugarcoat her answer.

“An F.”

Caitlin Clark grades how the Fever did defensively against the Aces in Game 1:

"An F." 😳

(via @IndianaFever)pic.twitter.com/yVdU3Es3uZ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 27, 2026

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The Indiana Fever shared Clark’s response, and ClutchPoints later posted it on social media. Her tough assessment followed a strong offensive showing by Las Vegas, especially in the first half. Before halftime, while shooting 64.9% from the field. Las Vegas also received a massive performance from A'ja Wilson, who finished with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks.

Clark and the Fever also struggled to keep up on offense. Clark finished with 15 points, and Kelsey Mitchell added 12. Together, they shot only 10-for-33 from the field. Aliyah Boston chipped in 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists for Indiana.

The Fever’s defensive problems hurt even more because they’ve been so strong on offense all season. Indiana came into the playoffs as one of the league’s top offensive teams, but their defense still needed work.

According to ESPN, the Fever finished the regular season 11th in points allowed and eighth in defensive rating. Those weaknesses were obvious right away against Las Vegas.

With the series still going, Indiana will have to make big changes before facing the Aces again. Clark’s blunt “F” shows the Fever know their Game 1 defense wasn’t good enough.