Embarrassing Fever loss was so bad it broke a Caitlin Clark-era record

The Indiana Fever now face their third loss without Caitlin Clark after falling to the Atlanta Dream 77-58 Tuesday night. There was much optimism after their big win against the Chicago Sky and this wasn't just due to being in the win column - the team played a complete game. After a second half nightmare during their loss against the Dream however, the offense completely fell apart.

The Fever would finish this game with their lowest numbers in terms of offensive statistics. They set season lows in 3-point percentage (5-for-24, 20.8%) and field goal percentage (21-for-58, 36.2%). Numbers like these are a recipe for disaster and the competition is going to get even tougher. The Fever face the undefeated New York Liberty (9-0) at home this weekend.

Stephanie White's squad set another new low after losing to Atlanta by 19 points. Their 58-point performance became the worst offensive performance of the Caitlin Clark era. There is no doubt that the Fever miss Clark's high power offense. To put this further into perspective, the Fever average 84.5 points per game with Clark in the lineup.

The tempo and pace at which they play the game without her has been inconsistent and sloppy. It's undeniable that the game plan runs through Clark. Without her the team was successful at hitting a new low point having little to no time to fix it.

The Indiana Fever need Caitlin Clark back now

The Fever have played 51 games since drafting Clark and with an experienced head coach and new veteran pieces this performance was everything but expected. Clark's career got off to a rather slow start after the Fever opened it with a 2-9 record.

Despite this, Christie Sides, head coach in Clark's first WNBA season, finished 2024 with the third highest ranked offense in the league (both in offensive rating and points per game).

READ MORE: Caitlin Clark's post-WNBA career becomes crystal clear after latest Fever game

Falling to a 2-3 record during Clark's absence has certainly uncovered the significance of her being in the rotation. During practice this week head coach Stephanie White was optimistic about Clark's progress she has made, but is in no rush to bring her back at the risk of harming her longevity.

They had to learn to play without her there, but Tuesday's poor showing proved to be too much for them. Now remember, the Fever, sitting currently at a 4-5 record, have not played a set of games this season with a full, healthy team on the floor. There is still plenty of room for progress, but rest assured when Clark returns to the team it will immediately create a much needed spark.

Tuesday was technically the first game Clark could have returned, but now having the remainder of this week to rest it creates more hope she can return against the Liberty Saturday. That game can be seen nationally on ABC at 3 p.m. EST.