Could Caitlin Clark be the key to the Fever's first playoff appearance since 2016?

Could Caitlin Clark be the key to the Fever's first playoff appearance since 2016?

Yahoo Sports basketball analyst Isis "Ice" Young and women's basketball writer Cassandra Negley discuss how the Indiana Fever has gained momentum in the second half of the season and debate their chances of making the playoffs.

Video Transcript:

The Indiana Fever hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016, and securing a playoff spot has been the team's primary goal this year.

With back-to-back number-one picks, there's an expectation to reach the playoffs and break into the top eight.

Discussion:

What has impressed you about this Fever team? And do you think they can make a playoff run?

Response:

I've been impressed with how the team has improved after spending more time together. Early in the season, there was a lot of focus on their struggles—how disjointed they looked and how frustrating it was to watch their offense, especially after witnessing someone like Caitlin Clark dominate offensively alongside Kate Martin and Gabby Marshall.

But they've found their rhythm. On the court and even in social media clips, you can see they've developed better chemistry. And honestly, it just takes time to build that.

Caitlin Clark, as a rookie point guard, has benefitted from having a second training camp in her first year, which is huge. Kelsey Mitchell is potentially having a career year, averaging similar numbers to before. Lexi Hull has also stepped up, hitting crucial threes.

The Fever has capitalized on their time together and gone on an impressive run. Last year, Lyndon said it would be a disappointment if they didn't make the playoffs. I believe they can take a game in the postseason. Winning a series might be a challenge, but with players like Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell's experience in winning from college, that winning mentality can carry into a playoff series.