The WNBA playoffs have arrived, and for the first time in almost ten years, the Indiana Fever have made it into the postseason.

After being drafted first overall in April, Caitlin Clark sparked curiosity about whether this Iowa star could lead the Fever back to playoff contention. Not only did she succeed, helping Indiana clinch the No. 6 seed, but the focus now shifts to whether they can win a playoff series or even a single game.

The Fever’s playoff journey begins on Sunday as they take on the No. 3 seed Connecticut in their home arena. The two teams faced off four times during the regular season, with Connecticut winning three matchups. However, Indiana secured a recent victory, edging out Connecticut 84-80 on August 28.

As a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, Clark has significantly boosted the league’s visibility this season, earning widespread recognition and accolades. Early on Sunday, A’ja Wilson was unanimously named MVP, and it was disclosed that Clark surpassed Connecticut’s versatile star Alyssa Thomas in the MVP voting (Clark received 130 votes, while Thomas got 83). Will Thomas use this in her favor as they compete on Sunday, Wednesday, and perhaps Friday in this best-of-three series?

Another factor to consider: Connecticut guard Marina Mabrey, who joined the Sun just prior to the Olympic break, only played in the last matchup against Indiana, when she was still integrating into the team. Now, she significantly contributes to their offense. Could she be the key player in this series?

Ty Harris Injured, Out for Sun

Connecticut guard Ty Harris, a starter who averaged 10.5 points and 3.0 assists per game in the regular season, suffered a right ankle injury with 6:16 remaining in the first quarter and needed assistance getting off the court.

Harris injured her ankle while attempting to contest a three-pointer from Indiana’s Lexie Hull, landing awkwardly on Hull’s foot. She immediately headed to the locker room, and reports suggest she may not return.

Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun

The Fever will face off against the Sun in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday.

Game 1 Time: Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun

The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET.

How to Watch Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun

You can catch the game live on ABC. It will also be available for on-demand viewing later on WNBA League Pass, accessible through the WNBA app.

How to Stream Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun

Streaming will be available on Fubo.

Liberty Defeats Dream 83-69 in First WNBA Playoff Game

The New York Liberty cruised through Game 1 of their series against Atlanta on Sunday, winning 83-69 with rookie Leonie Fiebich leading the way with 21 points.

Fiebich, who represented Germany at the summer Olympics in Paris, was impressive, shooting 7-of-8 overall and a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. Sabrina Ionescu added 17 points, while Breanna Stewart contributed with a double-double: 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Adding to the excitement, New York guard Courtney Vandersloot became the WNBA’s all-time leader in playoff assists, surpassing the legendary Sue Bird with her total now at 365, thanks to three assists in this game.

Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 14 points.

The teams will play Game 2 in New York on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, which will air on ESPN.

Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun Playoff Schedule

• Sunday, Game 1: Indiana at Connecticut (3 p.m., ABC)
• Wednesday, Game 2: Indiana at Connecticut (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
• Friday, Game 3*: Connecticut at Indiana (TBD, ESPN 2)

(* – If necessary; all times in Eastern)

WNBA Playoff Schedule

Sunday:

• Game 1: Atlanta at New York (1 p.m., ESPN)
• Game 1: Indiana at Connecticut (3 p.m., ABC)
• Game 1: Phoenix at Minnesota (5 p.m., ESPN)
• Game 1: Seattle at Las Vegas (10 p.m., ESPN)

Tuesday:

• Game 2: Atlanta at New York (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
• Game 2: Seattle at Las Vegas (9:30 p.m., ESPN)

Wednesday:

• Game 2: Indiana at Connecticut (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
• Game 2: Phoenix at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., ESPN)

Thursday:

• Game 3*: New York vs. Atlanta (TBD, ESPN 2)
• Game 3*: Las Vegas vs. Seattle (TBD, ESPN 2)

Friday:

• Game 3*: Connecticut vs. Indiana (TBD, ESPN 2)
• Game 3*: Minnesota vs. Phoenix (TBD, ESPN 2)

(* – Only if required; all times are in Eastern)

Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun: Predictions from YSL News reporters

• Nancy Armour: Sun will win against Fever in 2
• Scooby Axson: Sun will win against Fever in 2
• Ellen J. Horrow: Sun will win against Fever in 3
• Jordan Mendoza: Sun will win against Fever in 3
• Lindsay Schnell: Sun will win against Fever in 2

Caitlin Clark finishes fourth in MVP voting

A’ja Wilson claimed her third MVP title on Sunday, making her one of only four players in history to achieve this, alongside Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson. She made a milestone by becoming the first WNBA player to lead the league in points, rebounds, and blocks in a single season and was chosen as the unanimous MVP, a feat only achieved before by Cynthia Cooper in 1997.

Caitlin Clark, highly regarded as the likely Rookie of the Year, landed in fourth place in the MVP voting, following Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and Breanna Stewart from the Aces.

Caitlin Clark continues to set WNBA records

The rookie from Fever has been in the spotlight throughout the summer due to her incredible performances. .

How Caitlin Clark transformed Lexie Hull’s game

Like many fans of the WNBA, Lexie Hull follows a lot of Caitlin Clark’s updates.

Whenever Clark sets a new record, shares something intriguing, or even sneezes, Hull is in the loop.

However, during a recent beach trip to Mexico with Clark and Katie Lou Samuelson, who was with her husband, Hull discovered something unexpected about Clark.

In addition to being the top pick for the 2024 draft and the strong favorite for Rookie of the Year, she’s also . . . quite humorous.

She has a playful side and enjoys being the jokester.

“She definitely loves to cause a bit of mischief. If you need a good laugh, she’s the one for that,” Hull told YSL News Sports.