WNBA: Will the Sun set on the Fever, Clark in the first round?

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

Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

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?

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The Fever indeed went 1-3 against the Sun, but the three losses occurred at the beginning of the season, when the Fever were working on their cohesion. Now, while still being under construction, they are a legitimate team and they are dangerous. The backcourt pairing of Clark and Kelsey Mitchell has been working wonders for this team. Clark’s contributions have been covered extensively, but they wouldn’t be possible without Mitchell’s lights-out shooting performances. On the flip side, thanks to Clark, Mitchell has averaged the most 3-points attempts in her career. The shooting guard is converting those at a 40.2 percent rate and, in consequence, is averaging 19.2 points per game.

As pointed out earlier, to neutralize Bonner and Thomas, the Fever need to go big, possibly by including Temi Fagbenle, who can keep up with both the Connecticut stars, in the starting rotation over Lexie Hull or NaLyssa Smith. Benching Hull will mean sacrificing long-distance shooting, as well as perimeter defense. Benching Smith means losing potential rebounds. Head coach Christie Sides has some hard decisions to make. On the court, the players may commit some rookie mistakes, but that’s part of the process of learning. And what better teachers to have than the experienced Sun?

No. 3 seed Connecticut Sun (28-12) vs. No. 6 seed Indiana Fever (20-20)

Game 1: Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun

When: Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. ET

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT

How to watch: ABC

Game 2: Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun

When: Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT

How to watch: ESPN

Game 3 (if necessary): Connecticut Sun at Indiana Fever

When: Friday, Sept. 27 (time TBD)

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN

How to watch: ESPN2