The Indiana Fever made huge leaps as a franchise in 2024. Not only did they improve on the previous season’s 13-27 record, but the Fever were competitive in their first playoff series in eight years. Despite getting swept by the Connecticut Sun, Christie Sides can take positives from the matchup against Stephanie White’s team. The Indiana Fever were underdogs coming into the two games as the Connecticut Sun have players with more playoff experience. Game one could have been different had Caitlin Clark not been poked in the eye. This affected her performance as she went on to record 10 points on the day. Next season could be a special one for Clark and the Indiana Fever for varying reasons. Let’s dive into why the Indiana Fever can go deep in the playoffs next year.
Why Indiana Fever Can Go Far in the Playoffs
The Fever Have Made Stroud Additions
The Indiana Fever are one of many franchises that have made big moves in the offseason. They have revamped their roster by getting of Na Lyssa Smith and Temi Fagbenle and bringing in DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard. Sophie Cunningham and Jaelyn Brown are also additions which should not be sniffed at. The big question surrounding the roster is how long will the new players take to gel. If they hit the ground running, the Indiana Fever could be in for a very special season. It is hard to argue with those that will say that the Indiana Fever have made upgrades as the players that have been brought in are good.
Stephanie White Could be a Difference Maker
White was previously Fever assistant coach from 2011 to 2014 prior to making the leap to head coach from 2015 to 2016. During her first spell as Fever coach, she guided the franchise to two third place finishes in the East which resulted in a WNBA Finals appearance and a first-round exit. She is also well seasoned as a coach having served as an assistant from 2007 to 2014.
She can handle the pressure of dealing with Caitlin Clark, Aaliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell as she coached experienced veterans such as Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones at the Sun. This expectation put off some candidates for the role.
White is also coming in at the perfect time when you factor in Fever’s two best players are very young and the ever-improving Franchise is on the rise. In 2022, they were bottom of Eastern conference with a 5-31 record, but they followed this up with a 13–27 record in the 2023 season before a respectable 20-20 showing last campaign.
Some Franchises Have Taken Steps Back or Stood Still
The Indiana Fever, like other franchises, have chosen to make big changes to their roster. While some teams have made upgrades, there are others who have taken steps back and weakened their roster. The Connecticut Sun are the biggest example of a team who have completely revamped their roster. They have got rid off Dijonai Carrington, Thomas, Bonner and Jones. To make matters worse for the Connecticut Sun, their coach went to the Indiana Fever in the offseason. You also have franchises like Washington Mystics who have not made any notable additions to their roster. It is difficult to envision these two along with Golden State Valkyries having a good season.
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