The Indiana Fever are back! After an eight-year drought, this WNBA franchise, bolstered by a dynamic trio that includes Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, has managed to secure a playoff spot in the 2024 season. The Fever’s remarkable rise from a rocky start to a legitimate postseason contender has left WNBA fans buzzing. Let’s take a deep dive into how Caitlin Clark and her team turned the tide, their playoff prospects, and what’s next for the Fever as they aim for a deep playoff run.
Indiana Fever: From 1-8 to Playoff Contenders
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Indiana’s start to the 2024 season was brutal. A 1-8 beginning is the stuff of nightmares for any sports team, but the Fever’s resurgence has been nothing short of miraculous. Winning 17 out of their next 26 games, Indiana has emerged as one of the hottest teams in the WNBA.
This turnaround makes the Fever only the second team in WNBA history to start 1-8 or worse and still qualify for the playoffs, joining the now-defunct Charlotte Sting. Talk about a comeback!
So, what’s been driving this team? If you’re thinking it’s all Caitlin Clark, you’d be about 80% right. But the All-Star contributions of Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell deserve recognition, too. These three have turned Indiana from playoff outsiders to a squad no one wants to face in the postseason.
Current Standings and Scenarios for Indiana
The Fever currently hold the sixth seed in the WNBA, with a slim chance of moving up to fifth. Indiana is ahead of Phoenix in the standings (thanks to a 3-0 season sweep) but trails Seattle, having lost that season series 1-3. Based on the WNBA’s tiebreaker rules, Indiana will need to finish a full game ahead of Seattle to leapfrog them in the standings.
Let’s break down the current WNBA standings as of Friday, Sept. 6, 2024:
| Rank | Team | W-L | Win Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | x – New York Liberty | 28-6 | .824 | — |
| 2. | x – Minnesota Lynx | 25-9 | .735 | 3 |
| 3. | x – Connecticut Sun | 24-10 | .706 | 4 |
| 4. | x – Las Vegas Aces | 22-12 | .647 | 6 |
| 5. | x – Seattle Storm | 20-14 | .588 | 8 |
| 6. | x – Indiana Fever | 18-17 | .514 | 10.5 |
| 7. | x – Phoenix Mercury | 17-18 | .486 | 11.5 |
| 8. | Chicago Sky | 12-22 | .353 | 16 |
| — | Atlanta Dream | 12-22 | .353 | 16 |
| — | Washington Mystics | 11-23 | .324 | 17 |
| — | Dallas Wings | 9-25 | .265 | 19 |
| o | Los Angeles Sparks | 7-27 | .206 | 21 |
Key Notes:
- “x” indicates teams that have clinched a playoff berth.
- “o” indicates teams eliminated from playoff contention.
Indiana has clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2016. As of now, they would face the third-seeded Connecticut Sun in the first round. Historically, Indiana has struggled against Connecticut, with a 1-3 record this season, so advancing past the first round might be a tall task.
However, this is Caitlin Clark we’re talking about! If anyone can defy the odds, it’s the rookie sensation who’s making waves in the league.
The Fever’s Remaining Schedule: Can They Climb Higher?
The Fever have an uphill battle in their remaining games, but it’s not impossible. While two games against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces are looming, the Fever play four of their final five regular season games at home, which could provide a much-needed boost.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Sept. 8 | vs. Atlanta Dream | 4 p.m. | ESPN3 |
| Wednesday, Sept. 11 | vs. Las Vegas Aces | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Friday, Sept. 13 | vs. Las Vegas Aces | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
| Sunday, Sept. 15 | vs. Dallas Wings | 3 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Thursday, Sept. 19 | at Washington Mystics | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
Indiana’s home-court advantage in the final stretch could be crucial. Not only do they play weaker teams like the Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings, but the Fever have the chance to fine-tune their play and potentially build momentum heading into the postseason.
Caitlin Clark’s Impact: Is She Ready for the Big Stage?
Caitlin Clark’s rookie season is already being compared to some of the greatest debut campaigns in WNBA history. If you thought she was only a college standout, think again. Clark has seamlessly transitioned to the WNBA, putting up gaudy numbers and making defenders look silly in the process.
Fun fact: Clark is already notorious for being turnover-prone, but in classic Caitlin Clark fashion, those turnovers often come from trying to pull off spectacular plays. As the Fever head into the playoffs, her ability to manage the game while maintaining her aggressive style will be key. Her combination of high basketball IQ, shooting prowess, and on-court swagger makes her one of the most intriguing players to watch in this year’s playoffs.
Fever Playoff History: Can They Rekindle the Magic?
Indiana Fever fans have been waiting for this moment for eight long years. The Fever’s postseason history is rich, with 12 consecutive playoff appearances from 2005-2016, including a WNBA championship in 2012. That championship run was led by Tamika Catchings, one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Here’s a quick look at Indiana’s playoff history:
| Year | Record | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | TBD | TBD |
| 2016 | 17-17 | Lost First Round |
| 2015 | 20-14 | Lost Finals |
| 2014 | 16-18 | Lost East Finals |
| 2013 | 16-18 | Lost East Finals |
| 2012 | 22-12 | Won Finals |
| 2011 | 21-13 | Lost East Finals |
| 2010 | 21-13 | Lost East Finals |
| 2009 | 22-12 | Lost Finals |
| 2008 | 17-17 | Lost East Semifinals |
| 2007 | 21-13 | Lost East Finals |
| 2006 | 21-13 | Lost East Semifinals |
| 2005 | 21-13 | Lost East Finals |
Can the Fever add another magical playoff run to their legacy in 2024?
Conclusion: What’s Next for the Fever?
The Fever have already defied the odds by clinching a playoff berth after such a dismal start to the season. Caitlin Clark’s ability to elevate her game, coupled with the leadership of Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, gives Indiana a fighting chance in the postseason.
One thing is for sure: the Fever are a team on the rise, and even if they don’t win it all this season, they’re primed for future success. But hey, wouldn’t it be a storybook ending if they shocked everyone and made a deep playoff run?
So, buckle up, WNBA fans—this could be one wild ride!