Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever Make WNBA Playoffs, Ending Team’s 7-Year Playoff Drought: ‘We’re In!’

Mar. 15, 2025

Caitlin Clark on July 6, 2024.Photo:Michael Hickey/Getty

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is seen following the game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Michael Hickey/Getty

Caitlin Clarkand the Indiana Fever have a lot to celebrate now that the team earned a guaranteed spot in the WNBA playoffs — and put an end to a lengthy drought.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the Fever’s fate was confirmed after the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky both lost their respective games against the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces.

After seven years of not making it into the championship series, the longest active drought in the league’s history has ended, with the Fever set to play in the tournament for the first time since 2016.

“We’re in,” the teamposted to X(formerly Twitter), adding, “We have officially clinched a spot in the 2024 @WNBA playoffs.”

Caitlin Clark.Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) huddles up with her team before the game against the Washington Mystics on June 19, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty

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According toUSA Today, the Indiana basketball team has failed to make the playoffs from 2017 to 2023, making it the longest current drought in the WNBA.

The team also tied with the Chicago Sky for the longest playoff drought of all time. The latter missed seven straight tournament chances from 2006 to 2013, the outlet reported.

But now, the Fever will return to the playoffs when the tournament begins on Sept. 22. PerUSA Today, “even if Indiana were to lose each of its last seven games [between now and the end of the regular season on Sept. 19], it would still be in the playoffs.”

Caitlin Clark (center) on Aug. 16, 2024.Justin Casterline/Getty

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on in the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Justin Casterline/Getty

In July, she, alongside the Sky’s Angel Reese,won the WNBA All-Star Gamewhen the two took the court together at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. They faced off against — and ultimately beat — theU.S. Olympic team117-109.

The Indiana Fever, meanwhile, has seven games left this season. They next play the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday, Sept. 4 before facing off with the Minnesota Lynx on Friday, Sept. 6.

source: people.com

Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever Make WNBA Playoffs, Ending Team’s 7-Year Playoff Drought: ‘We’re In!’

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