Fever look to stave off elimination in Game 2 vs. Sun

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — It’s do-or-die time for the Indiana Fever.

Indiana faces elimination Wednesday night in its first-round series against the Connecticut Sun. Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and company will have to rally on the road in order to keep their season alive.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. It’ll be played at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Including their Game 1 playoff matchup, the Fever have faced the Sun five times this season and come away with a win only once—an 84-80 home victory on Aug. 28.

The road games haven’t been close:

• May 14: Sun 92, Fever 71
• June 10: Sun 89, Fever 72
• Sept. 22: Sun 93, Fever 69 (WNBA Playoffs)

Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark said her right eye, which was hit in Game 1, felt “good” and was looking better. She insisted it wasn’t affecting her game and believes in the game plan for Game 2.

“We’ll adjust some things defensively that hopefully will give us a little bit better of a chance, but I think, scheme-wise, we had good schemes,” Clark said. “It just comes down to execution and being detail oriented.”

The All-Star said the Fever need to lean on their transition game and play to their strengths.

“We know we’re capable of beating this team because we have done it,” Clark said. “Obviously, they’re really, really good and we know it will be a challenge. I don’t think it’s anything we’re shying away from. You just embrace the challenge.”

The team has to “leave it all out there” to push Connecticut to a Game 3.

“You don’t want this to be the end. You want to keep coming back here. You want to keep coming to practice. You want to have a shootaround. You want to have one more game with your team,” Clark said. “I don’t want this to end. I feel like this has been a special year for our organization and our goal was to get to the playoffs. Everybody in our locker room believes we can really win this series.”

Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell has never been in the playoffs before. The Fever last made the postseason in 2016; Mitchell joined the franchise in 2018.

“It’s a special group of people to put in a room and try to win some games,” Mitchell said. “I’m proud of our group.”

She knows Indiana will have to bring its best in order to keep the season alive.

“You gotta die on your sword on Wednesday. That’s just what it is. There’s no denying it,” she said. “They’re not going to make it easy. They’re ranked where they are for a reason. You gotta look yourself in the mirror, respect what it is, and give it your best.”

Coach Christie Sides acknowledged that playing the Sun three times in the first 13 games was tough and described Connecticut as experienced and talented. Notching a win in late August was key, but she believes the Fever need a better defensive effort.

The Sun shot 50% from three-point range and outscored the Fever 18-9 in fast break points.

“I think there are a lot of things we can do differently to make it more difficult on them to get some of those shots,” Sides said. “We have to handle their physicality and their transition offense early really hurt us in the first half.”

Clark missed some shots during Sunday’s game, Sides said, but the Suns changed up their defensive strategy to help make it a tough night. She expects a better effort in Game 2 and realizes the value of postseason experience for her young team.

“This is gonna be great for the future to get this experience,” Sides said. “Enjoy the moment, I’m trying to do that, but being a competitor, all of us are, we want to take this thing back to Indy.”

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