Caitlin Clark, Fever struggle in blowout loss to Lynx in regular-season finale

The Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx played their final regular-season game of the season on Thursday, and it was a win for the Lynx, 86-66.

One could say this was a meaningless game for the Lynx because the team was already the No. 1 overall seed going into the playoffs, but you would never know that with the passion with which they played.

The lopsided win wasn't lost on Lynx guard Kayla McBride.

"We had to come out here, protect our home court (in) the last regular season game," McBride said after the game, according to USA Today's Cydney Henderson and Heather Burns. "The last couple games, I've just been a little hesitant and I can't play like that."

McBride had a massive game, scoring 22 points, three assists and two rebounds. She played for 22 minutes.

Fever, Caitlin Clark finish the regular season with some tough news

While the Lynx had already notched the No. 1 seed going into the playoffs, this game could have helped the Fever out. The Fever could have been the No. 5 seed if they had won, but with the loss, they'll be No. 6 going into the postseason.

On the Fever's side, Aliyah Boston exited the game with a right lower-leg injury, and Ty Harris also left with a left ankle injury. Also, Clark "scored a season-low two points on 1-for-12 shooting," according to ESPN, so it was a frustrating game for her.

In some positive news, "Kelsey Mitchell made two 3-pointers to set the WNBA single-season record for the most made 3-pointers," according to USA Today.

So, it wasn't the best night for the Fever. But that's in the past, and the playoffs tip off on Sunday.