The first-round matchup between the No. 3-seed Connecticut Sun (28-12) and No. 6-seed Indiana Fever (20-20) looks like an easy one for the Sun, as they’ve dominated in head-to-head games during the season, winning three of the four contests. Furthermore, the Fever cooled off a bit following their hot re-start after the Olympic break, winning just two of their last six games. However, the Fever are unpredictable and dependent on rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. In their first playoff appearance since 2016, there’s no pressure on them; they have already exceeded expectations. This might work in the Fever’s favor.
The Sun are the epitome of team-first
You know the old saying, “There’s no ‘I’ in team?” The Sun personify that. Out of all the WNBA’s contenders, the Sun are the least flashy. Their defensive domination is unparalleled, as they are first in the league in opponent field goal percentage, opponent field goals made and rebounds for the season. They have legitimate stars in Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, but their approach, aura and ability to get others involved makes all the difference in creating a winning culture. Thomas is second in the league in assists. With DiJonai Carrington and Marina Mabrey, they have one of the best defense-offense backcourt combinations in the league.
Coming off the bench, Mabrey has been playing some of the best basketball of her career. The highlights of her stay in Connecticut so far are 20-plus point performances against the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks. So, teams below .500. But if she gets hot, the Fever are in trouble. However, the hardest defensive matchups for Indiana are going to be Bonner and Thomas. Thomas is an elite passer, while Bonner is averaging 15 points and six rebounds. To stop both, teams often have to go big, sacrificing outside shooting. Because the Sun are in the middle of the league in both 2- and 3-point field goals, that plan has a 50/50 chance of succeeding.
The Fever fairytale continues?
The Fever…
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