Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have been on a hot streak, winning every game since the WNBA’s Olympic break.
Through 28 games, the Fever have achieved a 13-15 record, placing them seventh in the league, which is a playoff spot.
Just above them are the Phoenix Mercury, with a 16-14 record, featuring stars like Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper.
Below them are the Chicago Sky with an 11-17 record, led by Angel Reese.
With 12 games remaining, the Clark-led Fever have strong playoff chances. Although they were a lottery team last year, they’ve developed strengths that could make them contenders.
Here are reasons why veteran teams should be cautious of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in the WNBA playoffs:
5 reasons why veteran teams shouldn’t wish to face Caitlin Clark in WNBA Playoffs#1. Caitlin Clark boosts the Fever’s fast-paced play
The Indiana Fever rank fifth in the league in pace with 97.07, thanks to Clark’s point guard skills. Her playmaking abilities and knack for creating transition opportunities can catch opponents off guard, providing a quick-strike offense for the Fever.
Sue Bird mentioned on the “A Touch More” podcast that the Fever’s fast pace makes them a threat to slower teams in the playoffs:
“I think what I’ve learned in my WNBA experience is that the pace of play trumps physicality. It trumps size. It can trump experience. Because a lot of times when you’re experienced, it’s really like code word for you’re a veteran, which is code for old.
“And what I see in Caitlin, what I see in Kelsey Mitchell, they’re just like ramming it down people’s throats. And it’s really hard; it can have your head spinning.”#2. The Fever have a genuine home-court advantage
Caitlin Clark has helped the Indiana Fever fill arenas for their games. While the “Caitlin Clark effect” draws fans even from other states, her comfort in playing before large crowds primes her team for primetime.
Although the Fever are currently seventh, which would only give them one home game in the first round, opponents should still be cautious.
#3. Caitlin Clark and Co. are young and hungry
The Fever are far from a one-woman show. Besides Caitlin Clark, who averages 17.8 points, 8.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game, they have three other players scoring in double digits.
Kelsey Mitchell averages 17.7 points per game, Aliyah Boston contributes 14.0 points, along with career highs of 9.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 blocks per game and NaLyssa Smith adds 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Additionally, their bench has explosive potential, with players like Lexie Hull, who scored a career-high 22 points last week against the Seattle Storm.
#4. The Fever are catching fire
The Fever have turned their season around, winning 12 of their last 19 games after starting with five straight losses. Their momentum could carry over into the postseason, making them a serious threat.
#5. Clark and Co. have the easiest schedule remaining
According to Tankathon, the Fever’s final 12 games are the league’s easiest.
They start with a challenging nine-day stretch against formidable teams like the Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun and Chicago Sky, with only the Sun game at home. Following that, they’ll benefit from six straight home games against the LA Sparks, Lynx, Dream, the LA Aces twice and the Dallas Wings. They will close their regular season on Sept. 19 against the Washington Mystics.
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Source: USA Today
