Thursday night was an absolute gut punch for the Indiana Fever, who somehow let a 20-point lead against the Las Vegas Aces vanish, then coughed up an 86-84 overtime loss thanks to two insane Chelsea Gray buzzer-beaters. Caitlin Clark, who normally gets a ton of love from longtime commentator Skip Bayless, found herself squarely in his crosshairs after the game, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with him.
When a Win Turns Into an Absolute Disaster
The Fever looked like they had this game in the bag. Seriously, a 20-point lead is usually lights out, especially at home. They were still up 75-72 with just seven seconds left in regulation when Clark stepped to the free-throw line. Sink either one, and the Aces would have needed two scores to even tie it. But Clark missed both attempts. That’s a brutal blow, leaving the door wide open for Vegas to tie the game on a single possession. Chelsea Gray, the veteran, wasted no time taking advantage, burying a three-pointer as the clock hit zero. Just like that, the game was snatched away, heading to overtime, and you could practically feel the air go out of the building. It was supposed to be Indiana’s 20th victory of the season, a huge milestone, and it slipped right through their fingers.
Overtime Heartbreak and Bayless’s Blistering Take
Overtime brought another shot at redemption, but the heartbreak just kept coming. The Fever were up 84-83 with seven seconds remaining, and they even had possession. This was it, the chance to finally close it out. But Clark’s pass was picked off, giving the ball back to the Aces. And who else but Chelsea Gray to deliver the final dagger? She hit another clutch three-pointer at the buzzer, sealing the comeback for Las Vegas and absolutely silencing the Indiana faithful. Clark finished with 20 points and eight assists, which shows her playmaking was there all game. But in those two crucial moments, it just wasn’t enough. Skip Bayless, a guy who has consistently backed Clark, didn’t hold back. He immediately took to X, saying, “This awful home loss is on Caitlin. Missed both clinching free throws late in reg, then terrible turnover late in OT. Chelsea Gray made her pay both times with stunning clutch 3s, to tie at the buzzer then win it at the buzzer. Congrats to Chelsea/Aces, who were down 20.” When Bayless, your biggest supporter, is calling you out, you know it’s bad.
This defeat is especially rough because the Fever had every opportunity to win. Blowing a 20-point lead is tough enough, but then having multiple chances to secure the win in the final seconds of both regulation and overtime just makes it sting even more. This devastating loss follows what was previously a Fever winning streak, making it back-to-back losses now. They’ve got to regroup fast, because giving away games like this is just crushing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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