Towards the end of the first quarter of Game 2 between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark basically handed the Aces two easy points from a layup. While Clark has never been one to shy away from making her feelings known on the basketball court. However, with the Indiana Fever’s season hanging in the balance against the Las Vegas Aces, Candace Parker has a simple message for the superstar: save the arguments for later.

It all began in the first quarter of Game 2, with 5:34 left on the clock. Clark took a screen from Makayla Timpson, but Stephanie Talbot, who was guarding Clark, fought over it. The guard attempted to make space to fire off a shot, but was swarmed by Talbot, so she tried to draw a foul. The refs didn’t make the call, leading to Clark arguing with them while jogging back, giving up an easy two points to the Aces, who quickly ran the ball up the floor for a layup off a fast break. Seven-time WNBA All-Star Candace Parker, who was on the broadcast, called out Clark’s poor effort.

“Right here, you gotta get back on defense, Caitlin,” she said in a clip on X by Underdog WNBA.

“This is the playoffs, you can talk to the refs later,” added Parker, per Sports Illustrated’s Alex Golden on X.

Parker’s reminder means a lot considering that Indiana has already lost Game 1 to the Aces, which means they have absolutely no room for mistakes in the best-of-three matchup. The bucket that Clark gave up led to the Aces tying the score, with the Aces eventually leading 26-18 at the end of the first quarter.

The first game offered a clear example of why Parker wanted Caitlin Clark to move on from officials. Clark was not at her best, logging 15 points while making only six of the 17 shots she attempted. She also made only three of her 10 three-pointers, and turned the ball over six times.

Instead of guarding Clark with someone of similar size, the Aces have opted to throw the taller Talbot on Clark, and it paid off. Talbot drew three fouls on Clark in Game 1, and bothered her on offense all night.

That pattern seems to be repeating itself in Game 2. In the first quarter, Caitlin Clark hit only one of her three shots and logged just as many assists as turnovers, at three.

As Game 2 continues, only time will tell if the Fever are able to overcome the defending champion as the team fights to keep their season alive. However, Parker’s message is clear: move back on defense, and be ready for the next possessions. Any grievances for the refs can wait until the game is over.

If the Fever win against the Aces, they’ll return to Las Vegas on October 1 for a win-or-go-home Game 3.