**Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Get Big News After Sky, Dream Losses**
The Indiana Fever’s return to the WNBA playoffs after an eight-year drought marks a significant milestone for the franchise and its players. On Tuesday, September 3, the Fever secured their place in the postseason without stepping onto the court, benefiting from losses by both the Chicago Sky and the Atlanta Dream. The Fever, who now hold a 17-16 record after a strong late-season push, are guaranteed at least the eighth seed, which solidifies their spot in the playoffs.
The Fever’s resurgence comes at a time when the franchise needed a turnaround. Having gone through several rebuilding phases, the team has demonstrated consistent improvement over the last few seasons. Their recent success can be attributed to a solid mix of young talent and veteran leadership, highlighted by their ability to win critical games when it matters most. Fever forward NaLyssa Smith expressed her pride in the team’s journey: “We’ve been working hard all season to get to this point. To be back in the playoffs after so many years means a lot to us and to the fans who have stuck with us.”
### A Season of Growth and Momentum
The Fever’s current record of 17-16 demonstrates just how competitive they have been this year. The team’s late-season form has been particularly noteworthy, as they’ve managed to win six of their last seven games. This momentum heading into the playoffs could prove crucial as they face top-tier competition in the first round. According to interim head coach Christie Sides, this strong finish to the regular season has been no accident. “The players have come together and truly believed in our system. Our resilience has been our greatest asset,” she told the media after their recent victory.
One of the defining characteristics of the Fever this season has been their balance. With stars like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell stepping up offensively and defensively, the team has found a way to win even in tight, high-pressure situations. Rookie sensation Aliyah Boston, a contender for Rookie of the Year, has also played a pivotal role in their success, making crucial plays on both ends of the floor. Boston, speaking about the team’s chemistry, said, “We trust each other out there. When we play together, good things happen, and that’s been the difference down the stretch.”
### The Fall of Chicago and Atlanta
Chicago and Atlanta’s struggles this season paved the way for Indiana’s entry into the playoffs. Chicago, led by Angel Reese, saw a dramatic collapse late in the season, dropping their seventh straight game to fall to 11-22. Atlanta, meanwhile, also ended up with an 11-22 record, trailing Chicago by a narrow margin. This created a scenario in which both teams’ fates were intertwined, with the Fever benefiting from the head-to-head tiebreakers they earned over the course of the season. Indiana’s 3-1 record against Chicago and a flawless 3-0 performance against Atlanta ensured that, no matter how the rest of the season played out, the Fever could not finish below the eighth seed.
For Atlanta and Chicago, it’s a season that will leave both teams looking for answers. Despite having talented rosters, neither team managed to find the consistency needed to secure a playoff spot. Both teams will now focus on their off-season strategies and what they can do to rebound next year. Fever forward Victoria Vivians weighed in on the situation, saying, “It’s tough when you see other teams struggle, but we can only control what we do. We’re just focused on continuing to get better and making our playoff run count.”
### Playoff Implications and What’s Next
With their playoff berth secured, the Fever will now shift their focus to preparing for what lies ahead in the postseason. Indiana will likely face a higher-seeded team in the first round, but with the momentum they’ve built over the last few games, they are poised to compete with the best. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, one of the team’s leaders, remarked on the importance of staying focused: “We’ve made it this far, but the job’s not finished. Now it’s about playing our best basketball when it counts the most. We’ve proven we can hang with anyone in this league, and we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
For Caitlin Clark, although not directly involved with the Fever, her name is a reminder of the new generation of stars that continue to rise in women’s basketball. As Indiana pushes forward into the postseason, it’s clear the franchise is on the rise and has a bright future ahead.
The Fever’s return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 is a testament to their resilience and growth as a team. After years of rebuilding and adversity, Indiana now has the opportunity to make an impact in the postseason.
