Caitlin Clark’s Fever Secures First Playoff Spot Since 2016, Ending Drought

The Indiana Fever may not have played on Tuesday night, but they experienced a pivotal moment in their history. Following the losses of the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream, the Fever officially secured their first playoff appearance since 2016, marking the end of the longest active playoff drought in the league.

For almost a decade, the Fever struggled, often being the subject of jokes within the league. Between 2017 and 2023, the team managed only 58 wins against 174 losses, failing to make the playoffs and finishing in last place three times. Four of those seasons saw them win six games or fewer, while the only time they avoided 20 losses was in the shortened 2020 season, which consisted of only 22 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a further sign of struggle, the Fever selected a player in the lottery for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, only to see those players waived in under two seasons.

However, the tide turned for the Fever during the 2023 WNBA Draft when they won the No. 1 overall pick for the first time in franchise history. This allowed them to select Aliyah Boston, who significantly contributed to the team’s performance with a record of 13-27 last season—more wins than they achieved in the combined total of 2021 and 2022. The franchise maintained this upward trajectory in the 2024 draft, once again claiming the top pick, which they used to select Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark, a remarkable rookie, has made waves by breaking numerous records and is currently averaging 18.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and a leading 8.4 assists per game. Her presence has revitalized the franchise, impacting both on and off the court. Alongside Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, Clark has transformed the Fever into a formidable contender that other teams dread facing in the playoffs.

Since the Olympic break, the Fever have recorded the best performance in the league with a 6-1 record, the highest offensive rating at 111.0, and a third-best net rating at plus-9.0. This impressive performance has allowed them to leapfrog over the Phoenix Mercury and claim the sixth seed in the playoff race. Currently, they hold a half-game lead over the Mercury and possess the crucial tiebreaker advantages between the teams, enhancing their chances of finishing in the coveted sixth position.

If the Fever maintain their position, they are likely to encounter a challenging first-round playoff match against either the Connecticut Sun or the Minnesota Lynx. Both teams are currently in a fierce competition for second place, making the Fever’s potential matchup an intriguing one.