The Indiana Fever’s victory over the Washington Mystics on Sunday night had a bigger reason to celebrate: they secured their place in the WNBA playoffs.
After announcing the loss of five players for the rest of the season, the fact that they had managed to qualify for this stage was a cause for celebration for the team and for the fans. However, the coach sent a strong message.
White’s warning
The 94-65 victory was a breath of fresh air for Indiana, which has just lost Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson. In addition, they recently confirmed the loss of star Caitlin Clark and Chloe Bibby.
Getting their ticket to the Playoffs was the collective goal and it showed after five players scored in double digits. Natasha Howard, with 17 points led the team. Aerial Powers followed with 15, Shey Peddy with 13, Aliyah Boston with 12 and Kelsey Mitchell with 10.
After the game, in her locker room speech shared on the team’s official Instagram account, Fever’s head coach praised the team, highlighting their power, resilience, resolve and togetherness.
However, Stephanie White did not let the euphoria go to her players’ heads too quickly, reminding them that “their work is not done”, in reference to the game against Lynx and the upcoming Playoffs. Despite this, true to his style, he ended up motivating them by saying:
No one is gonna want to see us. That’s right. Nobody. Nobody. I’m not gonna sing it, but yes. So we continue to focus on competing to the standard, preparing for the standard, all right? And then we scare the hell out of this league in the playoffs.
This did not go unnoticed by Indiana fans, who shared their happiness in the comments section of Fever’s post:
“This team is a family and they support each other, that’s the secret. Let’s go Fever” wrote one of them. “You guys have been through hell and back-Our girls never give up” stated another user. “So proud and happy for all these players and coaching staff. Can’t wait for the playoffs to start!!!! FEVER STRONG!!!” commented another follower.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s opponents will depend on their place in the standings. They are currently in seventh place, but if they can beat the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday the 9th at home at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Golden State Valkyries lose their remaining games, they could be in sixth place.
Meanwhile, their rivals could be the Las Vegas Aces or Atlanta Dream. Phoenix Mercury as well, although it is less likely. The WNBA playoffs are scheduled for September 14.
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