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3 reasons why Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever can book playoff berth after WNBA season restart
With the 2024 Paris Olympics now over, the women's basketball spotlight shifts back to the likes of Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky's Angel Reese. The rookie duo have been constant headliners throughout this 2024 WNBA season, and the league will restart on Thursday with the Sky taking on the Phoenix Mercury.
As for Clark and the Fever, the second half of the season marks an important period with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. If the postseason were to be today, the team would have bagged a berth after securing seventh overall in the WNBA standings. The Fever was one of the teams with a tough slate of matchups, and getting the receiving end of the scheduling quirk.
After starting the season 0-5, Indiana managed to string up wins before finally hitting their stride as the first half inched to a close. They closed out the midseason with three wins in five games with two of them coming against formidable sides, the Mercury and New York Liberty.
Up next, they face a stern challenge again in their first five games upon return. They play two games at home, followed by two games on the road. Ahead of the start of their second half of the tournament, here are three reasons why Caitlin Clark and the Fever are better placed to land a playoff spot.
3 reasons why Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever could book playoffs berth ahead of WNBA restart
#1. Caitlin Clark
For all the challenges that Clark was expected to face early on in the seasons, the former Iowa Hawkeyes guard has managed to vault over most of it. While her turnovers are still a talking point, she has led the Fever in scoring with 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game in 26 games.
The rookie has been shooting 40.5% from the field and 32.7% from deep. The biggest hallmark has been how she's been a facilitator and a catalyst for the team's offense. If she can continue to display her on-court awareness and aggressive shot-making, the Fever will be better placed for a playoff push.
#2. Better synergy between Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark
The 1-8 woeful start for the Fever saw initial adjustment pains between Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. The center saw a considerable dip in her production propping up 11.0 ppg, and 6.8 rpg.
As the season progressed, her understanding of Clark's game saw the synergy between the two improve as she upped the numbers — 14.2 ppg and 8.7 rpg. Their understanding on the floor is visible and that signals positive news.
#3. A well-rested unit
For teams that are in a scramble to make the postseason, the Olympics break came as a welcome change. The Indiana Fever have subsequently had ample time to regroup, strategize, improve the health of their injured players, and perhaps most importantly, work on chinks to have a better second half.
Fans will hope to see an improved showing on defense in the second half of the season, which was average at best so far. Notably, ESPN gives Indiana a 42.7% chance of making the playoffs, and maybe the R&R was exactly what they needed to get back into contention.
Do you think Caitlin Clark and Co. will secure a playoff berth this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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