Hold onto your seats, folks! The Indiana Fever, the underdog team that hasn’t sniffed the playoffs since 2016, are about to take on the towering Connecticut Sun in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs. And let’s just say, on paper, this matchup looks like David versus Goliath—if David had never even picked up a slingshot before. The Sun, comfortably sitting as the No. 3 seed, boast the stingiest defense in the league, with Alyssa Thomas playing like she’s built from playoff magic. Meanwhile, the Fever’s starting five have as much playoff experience as I have gold medals in gymnastics (read: none).
So, why are we even talking about an upset? Well, buckle up, because this series could be a wild ride.
Why the Fever Are More Than a 20-20 Team (Yep, Really)
Let’s start with the post-All-Star break Fever, who decided to shake things up and go 9-5 in their last 14 games. Impressive, right? In fact, they posted a better record than the Sun’s 10-6 down the stretch, including an 84-80 victory over Connecticut. Sure, they dropped the other three games against the Sun during the season, but that one win gives them some serious underdog credibility.
The Fever are like that student who bombs every test but aces the final exam, making you wonder if they were sandbagging all along.
Caitlin Clark vs. DiJonai Carrington: The Most Fun You’ll Have Watching a Game of Keep-Away
Now, let’s get to the juicy part: Caitlin Clark versus DiJonai Carrington. If you’re a basketball purist, or just someone who enjoys good ol’ fashioned grit, you’re going to love watching Carrington clamp down on Clark. It’s like watching a cat play with a mouse—except in this case, the mouse is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the WNBA.
Here’s the kicker: Carrington has made it her personal mission to guard Clark like she’s got the only copy of Beyoncé’s unreleased album in her hands. The solution? Take the ball out of Clark’s hands when bringing it up the court. Yes, you read that right. Let someone else handle the rock and save Clark’s legs for when she’s past halfcourt, allowing her to conserve energy and make the Sun sweat. Who doesn’t love a little strategery?
Clark Off-Ball? Just Call Her the Stephen Curry of the WNBA
Why waste all of Clark’s magic running pick-and-rolls, when you can turn her into the Fever’s very own Stephen Curry? By starting Clark off-ball, Indiana can run Iverson cuts (fancy talk for making her dart around screens like a maniac) and confuse the heck out of the Sun. This strategy isn’t just creative—it’s absolutely necessary. Plus, it forces defenders to switch, meaning Clark gets to cook someone other than Carrington. And that’s a win-win if you ask me.
Lexie Hull: The Secret Weapon No One Saw Coming
Let’s talk about Lexie Hull, who has quietly become the Fever’s glue player, like that friend who’s always there but never takes the spotlight. Since she entered the starting lineup, Indiana’s been 6-4, and she’s been draining 3s at a staggering 58.3% clip. Someone get this woman a Gatorade commercial, please!
When Hull is on the floor, the Fever outscore opponents by 1.9 points per 100 possessions. When she’s off? They get stomped like a piñata at a 5-year-old’s birthday party, losing by 7.1 points per 100 possessions. If Indiana wants a chance, Hull has to keep shooting lights-out and playing pesky defense like she’s got something to prove—which, spoiler alert, she does.
Aliyah Boston: The Swiss Army Knife in Fever’s Arsenal
While everyone’s focused on Clark, let’s not forget Aliyah Boston. Her ability to act as a release valve when Clark gets swarmed has been pivotal. Early in the season, teams double-teamed Clark in pick-and-rolls like she was a free buffet. But now, Boston has evolved into a deadly passer and decision-maker in those moments. If Boston keeps the ball moving and creates opportunities for others, it could be lights out for the Sun.
Final Thoughts: Can the Fever Actually Pull This Off?
Let’s be real—Caitlin Clark is going to get hers. She’s too good not to. But if the Fever want to turn this into a true upset, it’s going to take more than Clark’s heroics. Hull, Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell need to step up like they’re auditioning for the Avengers. If they do, then maybe, just maybe, the Fever can do the unthinkable.
After all, the last time we counted out a plucky underdog, David went ahead and took down Goliath. Could history repeat itself in the WNBA playoffs? Stay tuned!