3 Takeaways from the Indiana Fever Preseason

The Indiana Fever are coming into the 2024 WNBA Season with much higher expectations. The last 4 seasons the Fever have won a combined 30 games. Also they have not made the playoffs since 2016. With NaLyssa Smith, Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, the Fever look to break this streak. Here are 3 takeaways from the preseason games.

Smith is poised to take a Leap

NaLyssa Smith has been impressive this preseason. The 3rd year stretch-4 from Baylor in the preseason games has averaged 20.5 points, 5.5 rebounds on 48% shooting from the field. Also, Smith went 2-for-4 from 3-point range against the Atlanta Dream. Adding this element could take her game to the next level.

Smith finished 3rd in the 2022 Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds. NaLyssa shot 42% from the field and 38% from 3-point range. In her 2nd year with the Fever, she became a more efficient player averaging 15.5 points, 9.2 rebounds on 48% shooting from the field and with a 51% effective field goal percentage. Look for Smith to take a leap this season and possibly make an All-Star appearance.

The Boston-Clark Connection could be stronger

After two preseason games, Caitlin Clark has only assisted on 3 out of 9 of Aliyah Boston‘s made baskets. Now Boston has only scored 19 total points in the two preseason games (small sample size). So as the chemistry improves between the two stars, the better the Fever will be going forward. The reigning Rookie of the Year and All-Star will be a big part of the offense and the more that Clark can create easy buckets for Boston, the chances of the Fever getting back to the playoffs improves.

The Clark Mythology Continues

Their May 9th game was the first time the home fans got a chance to see Caitlin Clark up close. The Gainbridge Field house hosted over 13,000 fans and the atmosphere was more fitting of a playoff game than an exhibition. Either way, the Caitlin Clark Tour continues to gain momentum and attention. More opponents are seeking bigger venues to host the Fever in hopes to bring more fans to see Clark & Co. Better get your tickets soon before it all sells out!