UNCASVILLE, Conn. — As the clock ticked down to four minutes in what would mark the conclusion of a truly extraordinary 11½ months for Caitlin Clark, she sunk one final beautiful 3-pointer. The Indiana Fever, her team, had made an unexpected comeback to lead 71-70 against the Connecticut Sun in the second game of their WNBA playoff series.

What were we witnessing? Could Clark replicate the magic she showcased during her college career at Iowa, where she led her team to two NCAA finals and became the top scorer in Division I for both women and men? And after her rocky start as a rookie in Indiana, she had surprisingly guided the Fever into the playoffs.

Was she about to lead her team to an incredible victory and push the series to a third game?

This time, though, the answer was no. The Sun proved to be too skilled, too seasoned, and too relentless, ultimately winning 87-81.

However, when Clark landed that three-pointer, and later, as she assisted Aliyah Boston for a layup bringing the Fever ahead 75-73 with just over two minutes left, it felt like anything could happen for the 22-year-old who has mesmerized fans with her electrifying style of play.

And just like that, one of the most surprising and remarkable runs in women’s sports history has ended. From Iowa’s outdoor game at Kinnick Stadium on October 15, 2023, to Wednesday’s playoff conclusion: all the records, record TV viewings, and sold-out venues are in the past. Clark is now stepping away from basketball publicly until at least next May. It’s a bizarre realization, isn’t it?

If adjusting to this change might be a challenge for fans, imagine how Clark is feeling.

“It’s definitely a new experience for me,” she shared after the game. “Basketball has been a huge part of my life for the past year, so I think it’s time for me to step back and reflect on everything that has taken place. I didn’t have much time to process my college career since it ended so abruptly, and then I came here to give everything I could to this team and try to move on and help them get to the playoffs.

“So now I plan to take some time for myself to truly enjoy it and look back on what we accomplished. This season was special, with our group achieving things that many thought were impossible given our rocky start. It’s going to feel strange for the first few weeks, but I am sure I’ll eventually get bored and start practicing again.”

Clark was the top scorer with 25 points, alongside nine assists and six rebounds. It was a night of highs for her, yet it ended on a low note.

“It’s definitely tough, especially since we fought so hard to get back into the game and had chances in the end, but a few mistakes cost us, and then it became a two-possession game again,” she noted. “We just couldn’t get over that hill. … This gives us a glimpse of what’s possible for our organization. We have every reason to hold our heads high. We’re a young and somewhat inexperienced group, but we came together and really enjoyed playing together.”

Then she became reflective. “Sometimes the hardest part is feeling like you’re playing your best, and then it suddenly ends. Still, I’m proud of this team. We’ve shown resilience all year and had fun in the process.”

It was only natural to inquire about Clark’s plans moving forward. This is the first time in a while there hasn’t been a clear answer. Back in April, after leading Iowa to the NCAA final, she became the first overall pick in the WNBA draft just eight days later.

So what’s next for her?

“Right now, my focus was on beating the Connecticut Sun,” she said. “I haven’t thought much beyond that. I’m not even sure what I’ll be doing tomorrow. Maybe I’ll play some golf until it gets too cold in Indiana. I might just become a professional golfer.”

Boston, speaking for Clark’s countless fans, chimed in on that thought.

“Not too much,” she said. “Let’s keep it about basketball.”