When the WNBA playoffs start tomorrow, all eyes will be on the first game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun. It's the most compelling of the first four matchups by far, largely because of the great story lines.
The biggest one is about Caitlin Clark, of course. She'll be Rookie of the Year soon, and she's emerged as the leader of Indiana's new Big Three. Together with Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, she'll be expected to lead the Fever to victory against a tough, savvy Sun squad.
But Connecticut has questions to answer, too. They didn't play all that well down the stretch, and the Fever present some unique challenges given their offensive firepower.
Game Details
Fixture: Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun
Date and Time: September 21, 2024 @ 3 PM EST (Game 1)
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville CT
Indiana Fever Team Preview
It's been a while since we've seen Indiana in action in a meaningful game, so it will be interesting to see how they show out, especially since ABC has made this a marquee game in the coveted late afternoon sports slot on Sunday. The Fever played two relatively unimportant games during the last week of the season, but before that they struggled initially in back-to-back losses to the Las Vegas Aces.
The key questions for the Fever are fairly easy to identify. They want to play a wide-open game with Caitlin Clark leading the attack, but that usually doesn't happen in the playoffs. To establish their signature style, they'll also need to overcome their youth and inexperience in their first playoff experience since 2016.
If they are able to do that, Caitlin Clark will need to keep her turnover count down. The Fever were able to beat the Sun, 84-80, during their final meeting of the season, but Clark had seven turnovers in that game and Indiana won despite having a total of 19. That simply can't happen in a playoff game.
Connecticut Sun Team Review
For the Sun, the big question is how do they get their mojo back. They lost two of three to finish the season, but the hope is that being at home in the playoffs against a marquee opponent will help sharpen their focus.
Mojo issues aside, scoring can be a problem for the Sun. They have a great lineup, but the lack of a single, dominant go-to scorer can be an issue at times. That may not be a problem if they can slow the game down with their tough defense, but a tight game facing Clark and Mitchell could be a problem if the Sun are forced to rely exclusively on leading scorers Dewanna Bonner and Marina Mabrey for points.
This will likely be a game that will come down to style and which team can impose its will. The Sun will have a roaring crowd to back them up, along with a tough, defensive style to go with plenty of playoff experience. The first half should be a good indicator of which team gets to do that, especially if the Sun can get the Fever back on their heels early on.
Who to Watch
Indiana Fever
This one's easy--it's all about Caitlin Clark. As the primary ball handler in the playoff spotlight for the first time, she'll be expected to run the offense, push the pace and take care of the ball, all while keeping her composure. She'll have to do all this in a tough road environment, but Clark has shown a unique ability to shine when the spotlight is at its brightest.
Connecticut Sun
Finding a single player to focus on is a little tougher with the Sun, but the best choice is probably DiJonai Carrington, who will get the defensive assignment on Caitlin Clark. She'll be physical for sure, so it will be interesting to see how closely the game is called and whether she'll be able to get Clark flustered. If she can force some early turnovers, it could be a long day for the Fever.