Caitlin Clark did not hold back after the Indiana Fever were beaten 102-85 by the Las Vegas Aces, giving her team’s defensive performance a blunt verdict.

Asked to grade the Fever’s defence after Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, Clark simply replied: “An F.”

The result leaves Indiana facing elimination, with the Fever needing to win both remaining games to advance against the defending champions.

Caitlin Clark gives blunt assessment after Aces expose Fever defence

The Aces shot 59 per cent from the field and 47 per cent from three-point range, putting Indiana under pressure for much of the game.

A’ja Wilson was at the centre of the damage, finishing with 38 points and 16 rebounds while shooting 15-of-19 from the floor. She also added four blocks and two steals.

Clark struggled to make the same impact offensively, scoring 15 points on 6-of-17 shooting. She did, however, finish with 10 assists, although six turnovers added to Indiana’s problems.

The Fever also struggled to create clean looks, something Clark admitted after the defeat.

“I thought our actions were sloppy,” Clark said. “I thought what we were running wasn’t great and nobody got an easier open look.”

Indiana’s backcourt struggled alongside her, with Kelsey Mitchell scoring 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting. The Aces turned 17 Fever turnovers into 28 points, while their lead reached 27 at one stage.

There was at least one bright spot for Stephanie White’s side, with rookie Raven Johnson scoring 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 22 minutes.

White also gave credit to Las Vegas for rising to the occasion, saying: “Give Vegas credit. They’re defending champions for a reason. They understand the moment. They understand the playoffs require a different level of intensity and urgency, and they came with it.”

Game 2 takes place in Indiana on Tuesday, with the Fever now needing a response to keep their season alive.