WNBA Playoff Preview: Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun
The Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun are set to face off in the first round of the WNBA playoffs this Sunday. The Sun, having secured the third seed, will host the first two games before the series moves to Indiana.
Connecticut’s Home Advantage
As the higher seed, Connecticut will enjoy home-court advantage for the initial games of this series.
Key Contributions from Indiana Fever Players
– The Fever, led by standout rookie Caitlin Clark, are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
– Clark’s impressive debut season was complemented by backcourt partner **Kelsey Mitchell**, who averaged 19.2 points per game. Mitchell, along with Clark and **Aliyah Boston**, was one of three Fever players selected as All-Stars this season.
Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell both broke the single-season franchise scoring record 🔥
congrats to @CaitlinClark22 on setting the new mark 💪 pic.twitter.com/Pg8St4vGyp
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 20, 2024
Kelsey Mitchell’s Injury and Recovery
– Mitchell faced an injury scare in the final regular season game, playing only five minutes in the Fever’s loss to the Washington Mystics.
– Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Mitchell reassured everyone of her readiness, stating: “I feel great. Hopefully, you guys saw me, I didn’t think I looked bad. I feel great, I think for us it was just about precautions.”
– Mitchell has been cleared to play in the series opener, with Indiana’s injury report showing no concerns.
Kelsey Mitchell on the bench holding a knee brace. Hopefully just precautionary pic.twitter.com/OxDuieRe3b
— playoff correlation (@nosyone4) September 19, 2024
Record-Breaking Season for Clark and Mitchell
– The **Clark-Mitchell backcourt** was a historic highlight for Indiana this season. Both players surpassed Indiana’s franchise scoring record, with Clark finishing just two points ahead of Mitchell to set a new mark.
The Importance of Mitchell’s Availability
– Mitchell’s return is pivotal for Indiana as they prepare for the challenging matchup against Connecticut. With the Fever needing all hands on deck, her participation could be a decisive factor in the team’s performance.
