The matchup pits one of the league’s best defenses with one of its best offenses.
The Connecticut Sun are hoping to break through after coming tantalizingly close to winning a WNBA championship in recent years.
The Indiana Fever are looking to continue their surprising surge and make a deep playoff run ahead of schedule.
They’ll meet in the first round of the playoffs, starting with Game 1 on Sunday at 3 p.m. (ABC) in Uncasville, Conn. Game 2 is set for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., also in Connecticut, and Game 3 (if necessary) will be Friday in Indianapolis.
Here are three story lines to follow as the No. 3 Sun (28-12) and No. 6 Fever (20-20) clash in what should be a compelling series:Can the Sun get over the top?
The Sun lost in the Finals in 2019, the semifinals in 2020 and 2021, the Finals again in 2022, and the semis again last year.
They’re consistently one of the best teams in the league, and they have a 181-91 (.666) regular-season winning percentage since 2017.
While many teams rely on two or three premier scorers, the Sun are known for their depth and balance.
DeWanna Bonner (15 points per game), Marina Mabrey (14.9), Brionna Jones (13.7), DiJonai Carrington (12.7), Alyssa Thomas (10.6), and Tyasha Harris (10.6) form a dangerous top six. Thomas, who’s also averaging 8.
