Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever secure sixth place in the WNBA playoffs
USA TODAY’s Lindsay Schnell explains how impressive Caitlin Clark was in helping secure the sixth seed in the WNBA playoffs.
Sportpuls
The WNBA playoff season has begun and for the first time in almost a decade the Indiana Fever are in the game.
When Caitlin Clark was drafted No. 1 in April, everyone wondered if the record-setting sensation from Iowa could bring the Fever back to the playoffs. And she did just that, securing a No. 6 seed for Indiana. Now the question is, can they win a playoff series – or even a playoff game?
That journey begins Sunday when the Fever face third-seeded Connecticut at the Sun’s home arena. The teams met four times during the regular season, with Connecticut winning three of those games, but Indiana won the last meeting on Aug. 28, 84-80.
The favorite for Rookie of the Year has brought unprecedented popularity to the league this season, and has received a ton of attention and praise herself. Earlier Sunday, when A’ja Wilson was unanimously named MVP, it was also announced that Clark finished ahead of Connecticut do-it-all forward Alyssa Thomas in the MVP balloting (Clark finished fourth with 130 votes, Thomas finished fifth with 83). Will Thomas use that as motivation for Sunday, Wednesday and possibly Friday in their best-of-three series?
And another thing to keep in mind: Connecticut guard Marina Mabrey, who was traded to the Sun just before the Olympic break, only played in the last game between Indiana and Connecticut when she and the Sun were still getting used to each other. Now she’s a staple in their offense. Does that make her the X-factor in this series?
MORE: ‘Admire it now’: A’ja Wilson’s greatness on display as Aces seek third straight WNBA title
MORE: WNBA postseason preview: Strengths and weaknesses of all 8 playoff teams
Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun
The Fever travel to the Sun on Sunday for Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round playoff series.
When is Game 1 of Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun?
Game starts at 3pm
How to watch Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun
The game will be broadcast on ABC and will be available to watch on demand on the WNBA League Pass after it ends. Fans can get the WNBA League Pass by downloading the WNBA app.
How to stream Indiana Fever on Connecticut Sun
The game can be streamed on Fubo.
Indiana Fever vs Connecticut Sun Postseason Schedule
- Sunday, Game 1: Indiana vs. Connecticut (3 p.m., ABC)
- Wednesday, Game 2: Indiana vs. Connecticut (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
- Friday, Game 3*: Connecticut at Indiana (to be announced, ESPN 2)
(* – If necessary; all times Eastern Time)
WNBA postseason schedule
Sunday:
- Game 1: Atlanta in New York (1 p.m., ESPN)
- Game 1: Indiana at Connecticut (3 p.m., ABC)
- Game 1: Phoenix at Minnesota (5:00 p.m., ESPN)
- Game 1: Seattle in Las Vegas (10 p.m., ESPN)
Tuesday:
- Game 2: Atlanta in New York (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
- Game 2: Seattle in Las Vegas (9:30 p.m., ESPN)
Wednesday:
- Game 2: Indiana at Connecticut (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
- Game 2: Phoenix at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., ESPN)
Thursday:
- Game 3*: New York at Atlanta (TBD, ESPN 2)
- Game 3*: Las Vegas in Seattle (TBD, ESPN 2)
Friday:
- Game 3*: Connecticut at Indiana (TBD, ESPN 2)
- Game 3*: Minnesota at Phoenix (TBD, ESPN 2)
(* – If necessary; all times Eastern Time)
- Nancy Armour: Sun over fever in 2
- Scooby Axson: Sun over Fever in 2
- Ellen J. Horrow: Sun over fever in 3
- Jordan Mendoza: Sun instead of fever in 3
- Lindsay Schnell: Sun over fever in 2
You can read further forecasts and analyses here.
We occasionally recommend products and services of interest. If you make a purchase through one of the links, we may receive an affiliate fee. USA TODAY operates independently, and this does not influence our reporting.
Gannett may earn revenue from sportsbooks by referring viewers to betting services. Sportsbooks have no control over, and are not dependent or affiliated in any way with, newsrooms or reporting. Terms apply. Terms can be found on the provider’s website. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). You must be at least 21 years old to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal everywhere. Be sure to follow the laws where you live.
