Caitlin Clark is left with a BLACK EYE after brutal poke in face from WNBA rival

Caitlin Clark was hit hard in the face during her WNBA playoff debut on Sunday night, leaving the Indiana Fever rookie with a black eye.

Clark’s first appearance in the major league playoffs did not go according to plan, with the Fever losing 93-69 to the Connecticut Sun.

Not only did she struggle in the match – her 11-point tally was well below what she’s been used to this season – but the 22-year-old was also found rolling on the floor in pain early in the game after being hit in the eye.

Just 90 seconds into the first round of the playoffs, Clark was tackled to the ground by Connecticut guard DiJonai Carrington, who appeared to poke her while trying to block the ball.

No foul was called despite the contact causing her significant pain, and the Sun went on to claim the victory in Game 1.

During her post-match press conference, Clark had a clear spot over her right eye after Carrington gave her a finger in the face, despite her own denial of the incident.

“She obviously hit me pretty hard in the eye,” she told reporters about the poke in my eye.

“I don’t think it affected me. I made good shots, they didn’t fall. It’s a difficult time for that to happen. Had three wide open in the first half that I normally make.

“It didn’t feel good when it happened, but I don’t think it affected me.”

Clark, who was named WNBA Rookie of the Year earlier in the day, had just 11 points, eight assists and four rebounds in the game, struggling to make her usual impact against an inspired Connecticut.

Marina Mabrey’s incredible 27 points off the bench gave the home team the win in Game 1 of this first-round playoff series, with a second win scheduled for Wednesday night.

Just 90 seconds into the playoff game, Clark was knocked to the ground by Connecticut guard DiJonai Carrington, who appeared to poke her as he tried to block the ball

No violation was found despite the contact leaving the 22-year-old terrified on the ground

Clark had a clear eyelid over her right eye during her post-match press conference

The Sun’s Alyssa Thomas also had her 15th career triple-double, ruining Clark’s playoff debut. She finished with 12 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. It was her fourth triple-double in the postseason.

Kelsey Mitchell scored 21 points and Aliyah Boston added 17 points and 11 rebounds for Indiana.

The Sun entered the game with 222 playoff games under their belt, while the Fever had only 19, including none of their starters. This was Indiana’s first playoff appearance since 2016. Connecticut head coach Stephanie White was in charge of the Fever that year.