Indiana Fever reflect on special season after Game 2 loss to Connecticut Sun

Although Indiana Fever players and coaches were disappointed after the team’s 87-81 loss to the Connecticut Sun Wednesday, there was a sense of pride among the group.

It was a special season for the Fever, who made their first playoff appearance since 2016. And despite being eliminated in just two games, those involved with the franchise believe this is just the beginning.

It would be hard to argue otherwise.

“It’s a good little taste of what’s possible for this organization and for this franchise,” said Caitlin Clark, who finished with a game-high 25 points Wednesday. “There’s a lot for us to hold our heads high about, you know. This team won five games two years ago. We’re a young group, a pretty inexperienced group, but we came together and had a lot of fun playing with one another.”

Clark, who was the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, helped Indiana increase its win total by seven games compared to last season while breaking countless records along the way. She was named Associated Press Rookie of the Year and led the league in assists and made 3-pointers.

The Fever finished the regular season with a 20-20 record before the two playoff losses, which was the first 20-win season for the franchise since 2015.

With Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston leading the way, Indiana has a chance to be one of the top teams in the league next season.

“I think in two seasons, we’ve made the right steps to go forward, and I’m excited for what the future holds,” Boston said. “We’re on the rise, and I think it’s important to keep that as the focus because, obviously, you’re not just going to come in and win a championship.”

Boston nearly tied the franchise record for rebounds in a playoff game (20) Wednesday, finishing with a game-high 19 rebounds to go along with 16 points. She added two blocks.

Mitchell, who will be a free agent this offseason, finished with 17 points.

Mitchell and Clark played the entire game Wednesday and looked noticeably tired late in the fourth quarter. Finding more depth at the guard position should be a focus in the offseason as the franchise continues to take steps in the right direction.

Also for Indiana in the loss, Temi Fagbenle, who started the game in place of NaLyssa Smith, finished with nine points and nine rebounds. Lexie Hull added eight points and three rebounds.

The Fever trailed 41-34 at halftime and 61-52 after the third quarter but would not go home without a fight. Indiana outscored Connecticut 29-26 in the fourth quarter but simply ran out of gas in the closing minutes.

A layup from Boston off an assist from Fagbenle gave the Fever a 77-75 lead with 2:05 to play in the fourth but the Sun closed the game on a 12-4 run to earn the series sweep.

“These guys, they fought, they worked, they got one percent better every single day,” said Indiana head coach Christie Sides. “I just kept telling them, nothing defines us but our effort and our heart. And they did that tonight. They did that tonight for sure.”

Alyssa Thomas led the Sun with 19 points and 13 rebounds Wednesday. Six other players scored at least eight points in a balanced effort. Marina Mabrey, who had 27 points off the bench in Game 1, scored 17 points in Game 2.

“We made winning plays down the stretch and those winning plays came from lots of different people,” said Connecticut head coach Stephanie White. “Everyone that stepped foot on the floor, especially in the fourth quarter, made plays that were critical to us being able to come out with a win.

“Indiana is a (heck) of a team. But I was proud of our team for being able to respond (to Fever runs)."

Connecticut will play the Minnesota Lynx in the second round (semifinals) of the WNBA playoffs, which is set for Sunday. The Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 101-88 Wednesday after a 102-95 win in Game 1.

The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty will play in the other semifinal with Game 1 also scheduled for Sunday. The Aces swept the Seattle Storm while the Liberty swept the Atlanta Dream. 

Beth Prince State Farm Player of the Game

Caitlin Clark for scoring 25 points and dishing out nine assists. She also had six rebounds.

Game Notes: The Fever outscored the Sun in paint points, 48-40, fast break points, 19-9, and outrebounded Connecticut, 43-29. … The Sun outscored the Fever in bench points, 18-6, aided by Veronica Burton’s 10 points. … Connecticut's DiJonai Carrington accepted her trophy for the WNBA Most Improved Player award prior to Wednesday’s game.

The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.