FEVER WEEK 2 RECAP:
INDY 0-2 WITHOUT CLARK, NOW ON 3-GAME LOSING STREAK;
CAN THEY BOUNCE BACK?
By Deon Cash Beat Writer
The Indiana Fever started out with legitimate championship dreams, as they added the likes of Dewanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sidney Colson, and others to a core group of Mitchell, Boston, and Clark. They also added a championship coach in Stephanie White, who has Fever and Indiana ties.
After a 2-1 start to the season, the Fever took a tough loss at home to the champs of the league in the New York Liberty. In that game, the Fever not only lost the game, but they lost Caitlin Clark to a leg injury.
Here's how last week went for the Fever:
Game 4 vs New York
SUMMARY: The Fever battled from start to finish against the top team in the W. Despite Clark getting hurt, the Fever showed grit and that they could go toe to toe with the Liberty.
THE GOOD: The intensity of the Fever was at a playoff vibe, and it is easy to see how the Fever could matchup against the Champs...The offensive stars did they thing as Boston (27), Clark (18 &10), Mitchell (15) and Hull (15) delivered.
THE BAD: The Fever had a chance to win the game but was unable to convert on the final two possessions.
THE UGLY: The Fever scored just 12 points in the final quarter, which ultimately sealed their fate against the defending champs. The Liberty outscored Indy 22-12 in the 4th.
STARS OF THE GAME: IONESCU, JONES, BOSTON
RECORDS: Indiana (2-2) New York (3-0)
Game 5 at Washington
The Fever started fast, gaining a lead after the 1st quarter, but it didnt last long as the Mystics found a rhythm to win the 2nd and 3rd quarters to take a lead into the final quarter. The Fever were not able to have a chance late in the loss. Dewanna Bonner had her best game of the season, dropping 21 points in the 83-77 loss.
THE GOOD: BONNER found her rhythm. Without Clark, Bonner was able to find a groove, which will be crucial moving forward, as the Fever wait for Clark to return.
THE BAD: The shooting from 3 was sub-par, as they shot in the low 20s. Mitchell was off, which hurt the chances of the team winning.
THE UGLY: The Fever scored 0 points in fast break department, while the Mystics scored 11.
STARS OF THE GAME: SYKES, IRAFEN, BONNER
RECORDS: Indiana (2-3) Washington (3-3)
GAME 6 vs CONNECTICUT
SUMMARY: The Fever once again, was able to win the 1st quarter, but lost the 2nd and 3rd and forced them to play from behind the entire 4th quarter.
After a run to get the game back to striking distance with a couple minutes left in the game, the Sun were able to hold off the Fever behind Mabrey, Charles, and rookie Saniyah Rivers to win their 1st game of the season. Kelsey Mitchell had a chance to tie but missed the final shot.
THE GOOD: The Fever dominated inside (44-30 PITP) as Boston provided another huge game along with leading the team in assists (8)...Lexie Hull continued her rock solid play...5 players hit double figures (Boston, Mitchell, Hull, Cunningham, & Bonner).
THE BAD: The Fever havent been able to close out close games. They are 0-3 in games that are within 3 points this season. With everyone gearing up to play them, this will be something to watch moving forward.
THE UGLY: The Fever scored 4 points on fast break points, and that category has taken a nosedive since the Clark injury...Sophie Cunningham re-injured her ankle and will be something to watch...The Sun garnered their first victory on the season.
STARS OF THE GAME: MABREY, CHARLES, BOSTON
RECORDS: Indiana (2-4) Connecticut (1-5)
UP NEXT: HOME VS MYSTICS (Tuesday Night)
The Fever are in a "Must Win" scenario despite it being early. They don't want to fall too far back in the loss column (2-4) even though it is early in the season.
While the front office and coaching staff won't say it, this is a huge game for the momentum of the Fever. Its also a chance to get some "Revenge" after the tough road loss to a improved Mystics squad.
Follow The Fever, Dayton 24-7 Now on the WNBA coverage all season long.
