WNBA playoff takeaways: Caitlin Clark's historic night helps Fever force Game 3 vs. Aces; Liberty eliminate top-seeded Lynx

However, that was not to be outdone by Clark's heroics to begin the game when she became the first player in league history to record a points-assists double-double (14 points, 11 assists) in a single half of a playoff matchup.

Clark was also instrumental in getting the Fever back in the game after the Aces took a 29-18 lead early in the second quarter, contributing to a 20-6 run that gave the Fever a halftime lead they would not surrender the rest of the game.

Although Clark fouled out of the game and the Aces made one last rally, it was all for nothing. The Fever answered the call after a disappointing Game 1 and will head out to Las Vegas for a winner-take-all Game 3 at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Don't count the Aces out yet

While a fourth-quarter incident took place between a fan and four-time league MVP A'ja Wilson, one that ultimately needed security to intervene to separate Wilson and left the three-time champion sounding off after the game, this is a team that should never be counted out.

A 58-26 paint disadvantage did them absolutely no favors on Tuesday night, but Wilson still had 22 points (12-of-13 FT) and nine rebounds, while teammate Jackie Young led the way with 31 points (7-of-19 FG, 13-of-13 FT), four rebounds and five assists.

The Aces have won three of the last four titles and are no strangers to postseason success. With the home fans behind them for the decisive Game 3 on Thursday, it is going to take everything the Fever have to take them down.

Liberty oust the top-seeded Lynx 

With a roster that includes Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu, great things are expected from the Liberty. Although they squeaked into the playoffs, they used that as fuel to become the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed since the league went to the current format in 2022.

Stewart and Jones led the way with 21 points apiece, while Ionescu added 18 points and seven assists. As of Tuesday, they now find themselves as the betting favorites (+270, per FanDuel) to win their second championship, only this time as a No. 8 seed as they await the winner of the Atlanta Dream-Washington Mystics series.

Lynx fall short once again

The Lynx were the No. 1 seed for the second year in a row, but they once again have nothing to show for it after another premature exit from the playoffs.

They had the league's best regular-season record, the Coach of the Year in Cheryl Reeve and the unanimous Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles, who struggled in both games against the Liberty and only scored five points in Game 2. 

It was the latest heartbreak for a Minnesota franchise that can't seem to translate its regular-season success into the postseason.