VIDEO: Caitlin Clark’s bloody mouth blatantly ignored by referee

Caitlin Clark briefly exited the court on Thursday and head to the locker room. The Indiana Fever star was hit on the face by Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Lloyd’s elbow, resulting to a bloody mouth. However, the play couldn’t be reviewed referees didn’t whistle for any call.

Clark finished with 18 points and four assists but struggled from the field throughout Game 3. She converted just 6-of-18 shots and committed six turnovers, failing to build on her historic performance two days earlier. Kelsey Mitchell was also inefficient with her shot, knocking down 7-of-23 attempts for 23 points. Aliyah Boston recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds; however, their efforts were not enough to avoid a 94-83 loss and elimination.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with a game-high 31 points, along with 10 rebounds. Chelsea Gray backed her with 23 points, four rebounds, five assists and timely baskets late in the game. Jackie Young added 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to the loss to Washington Mystics.

Indiana Fever: Referee ignored Caitlin Clark showing her bloody mouth

Clark ran to the referee after returning to the court. She showed her bloody mouth but the official ignored her, signaling to continue the game instead.

Caitlin Clark showing the ref her bloody mouth

No foul was called pic.twitter.com/FkzMqdW0Om

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) October 2, 2026

Indiana went on a run late in the third quarter and early in the fourth. Clark and Co. trimmed Las Vegas’ lead to as low as three points, but the home team continued to find a way to keep the visitors at bay.

The Aces have now eliminated the Fever in consecutive years and are now through to the second round. They will face the winner of Friday’s Game 3 matchup between the No. 2 Golden State Valkyries and the No. 7 Dallas Wings. Las Vegas is the defending champion and looking to win the title for the fourth time in five years.