After being a bottom team in the WNBA for years, the Indiana Fever seem to have finally found success after drafting rookie star Caitlin Clark this year. Although their performance before the month-long Olympic break was underwhelming, the team has found its stride since, going 7-1 after the break. This puts the Fever at a record of 18-16, placing them third in the Eastern Conference and sixth overall in the WNBA.

One of the largest factors contributing to the Fever’s resurgence is Clark’s adjustment to the WNBA. Women’s college basketball players typically have just a month to practice with their teams before the season begins, which can disrupt many rookies as they transition to the league. However, the month-long break the league took for the Olympics seems to have alleviated this issue for Clark.

Clark has been exceptional recently. Averaging 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists over her last eight games, the Fever have been largely riding her prowess to victories. She has also notched multiple 20-point, 10-assist games, already ranking third all-time in the WNBA for games with this stat line. In addition, Clark set the WNBA record for most assists in a rookie season during this span.

Lexi Hull’s breakout performance has also been a key factor in the Fever’s recent success. Though she had not received much playing time before this year, Hull has been outstanding for the team, scoring 10 or more points in four of her last five games. She has also contributed to the Fever’s improved shooting, with the team attempting and making a high number of three-point shots since the break.

Veteran players Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell have provided essential support for the younger stars. Like Clark, Boston is averaging a double-double, but her contributions come in the form of rebounds instead of assists. This complements Clark’s scoring and playmaking, giving the Fever second-chance points and fast-break opportunities. Mitchell, coming off the bench behind Clark, brings high energy to the team, aggressively pursuing steals and pushing the tempo. Averaging nearly 20 points per game, Mitchell has been a critical asset despite her reserve role.

With nearly the entire team performing at an elite level, the Fever clinched their first playoff berth since 2016 earlier this week. The team has finally developed a core of young, star players who can carry them for years to come.