🏀 INDIANA FEVER PRESEASON RECAP🏀
FEVER KNOCK OFF WNBA CHAMPS; HOW DID ROOKIES PLAY? FACE DALLAS NEXT
The Indiana Fever grabbed their first win of the WNBA Preseason as they knocked off the defending champs in the Chicago Sky on Saturday.
The Fever have a youthful vibe to them, as the staff tries to figure out who will be playing where, and when, and the vets try to work with a serious collection of talent in the rookies.
The starters for the first preseason game was Destanni Henderson (PG), Kelsey Mitchell (SG) Lexi Hull (SF) NaLyssa Smith (PF), and Alanna Smith (C).
How did the Fever look against the champs? Lets analyze a few players.
#2 Pick NaLyssa Smith Has Good Outing
NaLyssa Smith, the #2 player taken in the WNBA Draft, had a good 1st game, with a near double double (10pts, 9 reb) in her home opener. Smith was active, and showed great energy as the starting power forward. While she didn't shoot great, she was very active and played with vigor and showed great ability, which the Fever need this season.
"Henni" Brings Championship Juice Late
Destanni Henderson, possibly the next great point guard in the WNBA, showed why the Fever put the ball in her hands late in the comeback win.
She played a great game overall, and also dropped a huge 3-point play late in the game to help push the Fever on a game-clinching run for the win. Henderson was perfect from the field (4-4) and from the line (3-3) en route to 11 points to with 2 assists and 2 rebounds in 22 minutes.
"Henni" as she is affectionately nicknamed, was a second round draft pick and arguably the steal of the draft, coming from Dawn Staleys' vaunted South Carolina program off its 2nd championship. She also is a owner of her own business, and its booming to say the least.
A great first game for Henni and the Fever.
"Queen Status" as Egbo Dominates Late in Win
Queeen Egbo, the 6'3 beast of a baller from Baylor, made a immediate impact after a double double (16pts, 10 reb) performance.
But even better, is that she helped anchor a huge 20-9 run in the 4th quarter which sealed the deal.
Dayton Grad Whalen Makes Statement, Gets Boost From Coaching Staff
Erin Whalen has made a real impact in the Fever training camp, and that was evident as she performed like a vet after a 8-point, 13-minute stint on the floor. Whalen, a jack-of-all-trades type of player, showed her versatility and ability to contribute in clutch moments as well. And her sniper ability is what will keep her in the league.
Coach Marianne Stanley and the staff endorsed her and feels like she could be a secret weapon of sorts.
Hull Struggles, But Expect a Boost
Lexie Hull, a sniper of the highest quality, had a off shooting night, but did have a nice floor game, with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and some good defense as well. Once Hull gets going, the Fever offense will take off to another level.
The good thing about Hull is she can do so many other things, that she won't be a liability on the court even when she's not scoring at a rapid pace.
Englster Gives Good Performance, Could Be The Real Deal
Emily Engstler, the dynamic forward, made her presence felt with 8 points and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes of work. Engstler will be huge for the Fever off the bench, as she can play 3 positions. She also had a steal and a block, which shows off her versatility.
SELive365 GAME ANALYSIS:
Stanley and the coaching staff were pleased with the team, and the youthful exuberance showed up after the comeback win.
"We have rookies, but they are experienced rookies. Most of them played at high profile colleges." Stanley stated.
Overall the Fever squad should be a .500 team, as they have a abundance of young special talent to go with a star in Kelsey Mitchell and solid vets in Tiffany Mitchell and Alanna Smith.
Today the Fever will face Dallas in their last Preseason game before the season starts.
The first home game will be on May 8th, at 3pm ET
A Mothers Day Edition courtesy of the WNBA.
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