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Caitlin Clark and the Fever are poised to make unfortunate WNBA history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Concerns about the Indiana Fever's defense continue to be well-founded.
For the eighth time this season, the Fever was popped for 100-plus points in a surprise loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.
Five Sparks players scored in double digits -- led by former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike with 24 points -- as Los Angeles cruised to a 106-92 win over Indiana on Wednesday night.
Though the game marked Caitlin Clark's return following a two-game absence, the three-time All-Star was not herself amid a minutes restriction. Clark scored nine points on 4-of-12 shooting in 16 minutes, and she made only one 3-pointer.
MORE: Caitlin Clark explains why she'll miss Fever's matchup with Mercury
While expectations remain that Clark will be fine amid the back soreness that she has been managing, the same confidence cannot be exuded over the Fever's defense.
In 21 games this season, Indiana has allowed 100-plus eight times. The WNBA record for 100-plus point games allowed in a single season is nine, set just two years ago by the Dallas Wings.
That means, with half a season remaining, the Fever will break this unfortunate record if they allow 100 points on two more occasions.
The Fever has one of the WNBA's elite offenses, but the defense is undoubtedly this team's Achilles' heel.
Indiana has the league's no.1 offense, putting up 113.0 points per 100 possessions. It also has a bottom five defense by efficiency: the Fever's 108.5 defensive rating ranks 10th in the WNBA.
Until the Fever can develop a more consistent defensive identity, Indiana will continue to hover between brilliant and disastrous. That's no way to win a championship while Clark is still on her rookie-scale contract.
More WNBA news:
Stephanie White explains Caitlin Clark minutes restriction after Fever star's return
Candace Parker rips WNBA players over Caitlin Clark All-Star voting: 'You've got some insecurities'
Aliyah Boston reveals what she told Caitlin Clark after latest technical foul
Why Chennedy Carter's WNBA future looks bleak despite dominant season off the Aces' bench
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