Sun’s Fever Preview: The Sun in Hot Form, Clark Awaits Breakout—Can the Fever Bounce Back on the Road?

At 7:30 AM on September 26th, the first round of the WNBA playoffs will see Game 2 with the Sun hosting the Fever. Since the first round is a best-of-three series, this game is a must-win for the Fever, who lost the first game to the Sun, putting them down 1-0.

First, let’s look at the Fever. They performed very well during the regular season, improving rapidly after an adjustment period and finishing sixth in the league with a record of 20 wins and 20 losses, entering the playoffs. Especially noteworthy is the significant improvement in No. 1 draft pick Clark’s performance, earning her the title of Rookie of the Year. The Fever’s improved performance is directly linked to Clark regaining form, meaning that Clark’s state directly affects the final results the Fever can achieve.

This season, the Fever have shown good offensive capabilities, ensuring scoring, averaging 84.8 points per game, ranking among the top in the league. However, they are a team that is strong offensively but weak defensively, with prominent defensive issues. The Fever concede an average of 87.2 points per game, the second-highest in the league. If the Fever can solve their defensive problems, they have every chance of going further.

The Fever have four players averaging double-digit points. Among them, Mitchell averages 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game; Boston averages 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists; Dantes averages 12 points; and Clark averages 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. In the last round of the regular season, the Fever lost 91-92 as visitors to the Mystics. Although the Fever did not play to their full potential in this game, they fielded their main lineup, with Wallace scoring the highest 17 points and 4 rebounds for the team, while Clark only contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.

The Sun entered the playoffs with a 28-12 record in the regular season, showing excellent form overall, which is related to retaining the core lineup from last season. Of course, Hayes’ retirement and Allen’s move to the Mercury, as well as Hiedeman’s transfer to the Lynx, had some impact on the team. However, the Sun also brought Jefferson from the Mercury, Mitchell and Bahnum from the Lynx, and Ebo from the Mystics, plus four draft picks, leading to an overall improvement for the Sun.

This season, the Sun excel in scoring from free throws, averaging 21.1 free throw attempts and making 15.8, making free throws one of their scoring methods. Additionally, outstanding defensive performance is also a guarantee for the Sun, conceding an average of just 74.1 points per game. Compared to last season, the Sun are worth watching this season.

The Sun also have four players averaging double-digit points. Among them, Mabrey and Bonner can both score over 20 points per game, with Mabrey averaging 27 points and 3 assists, Bonner averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, Carrington averaging 14 points and 3 assists, and Thomas averaging 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. It can be said that the Sun’s starting players perform exceptionally well. In the last round of the regular season, the Sun narrowly lost 76-78 at home to the Lynx. Despite the Sun’s collective effort, Lynx’s Collier was outstanding, leading to a regrettable loss.

The two teams met four times in the regular season this year, with the Sun winning three out of four games, holding a clear advantage. However, in their most recent regular-season meeting, the Fever beat the Sun 84-80, indicating the Fever’s improving form. But in the first round of the playoffs, the Sun easily won 93-69. Judging from this game, the difference in strength between the two teams is still evident. The Fever’s poor performance was partly due to Clark’s slump, who struggled, shooting only 1 out of 9 in the first half for 3 points. Though she improved in the second half, it was too late. Throughout the game, the Sun dominated in rebounds and offensive efficiency, and controlled turnovers and fouls well. Four players scored in double digits, with Mabrey coming off the bench to score a game-high 27 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, Bonner adding 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Thomas contributing a triple-double. On the Fever side, Mitchell scored 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Boston added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Relatively speaking, the Sun were more impressive overall.

It is understood that Tiffany will miss tomorrow’s game for the Sun. For the Fever to keep the suspense alive until the last game, Clark must step up.

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