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Sun coach Stephanie White gives first thoughts on facing Fever's Caitlin Clark-Kelsey Mitchell duo in playoffs
Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White shared her initial thoughts on the upcoming first-round playoff matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The Sun, who secured third place in the regular-season standings, take on the sixth-seeded Fever in a best-of-three series, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting showdown.
Following Connecticut's 87-54 victory over the Chicago Sky on Thursday, coach Stephanie White recognized the significant progress Indiana and its players have made, especially after beginning the season with a 1-8 record.
"They are obviously a really good team," White told reporters while previewing the playoff showdown with Indiana.
"I remember sitting up here after game one or game three when we played them and I was like they are gonna be just fine. They just have to grow. They are young, and they have to figure it out, learn to play together, and they have," she added.
Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are undoubtedly the two key players for the Fever, and coach Stephanie White is well aware of the threat the duo poses, particularly from the perimeter.
Clark leads Indiana in scoring, finishing the regular season with 769 points, while Mitchell is right behind her, with 767 points.
"They are playing incredibly well," White continued. "Certainly when you talk about the job Kelsey (Mitchell) and Caitlin (Clark) have done from a perimeter standpoint ... a back court combo that is really tough to match up with," the Sun coach added.
Stephanie White on strategy to succeed against Indiana Fever
While recognizing the talents of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, Stephanie White also emphasized how the Indiana Fever’s role players have excelled in their roles.
"You have Aliyah Boston in the interior, certainly what NaLyssa (Smith) brings and Lexie Hull from an energy standpoint, knocking down shouts. They are really playing confident basketball. They are playing well together," White asserted.
White has enjoyed success against Christie Sides' Fever this season and is familiar with what it takes to beat her Eastern Conference rivals. Connecticut and Indiana met four times during the 2024 WNBA regular season, with the Sun winning thrice.
White discussed what her team must do and what need to avoid to eliminate the Fever in the playoffs.
"They are a tough matchup, and Becky Hammon was right; you cannot outscore that team," said the Sun coach.
"You have to lock down defensively, got to be able to give them different looks because they are smart players and when they get you beat, they will pick you apart," she concluded.
The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, will host Game 1 of the series on Sunday.
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