Despite the loss of their star point guard, the Indiana Fever secured their first playoff series win in a decade, proving their depth and determination.

In a stunning turn of events, the Indiana Fever clinched their first playoff series victory in a decade on Thursday night, defeating the favored Atlanta Dream 87-85 in a hard-fought best-of-3 series. The win came despite the absence of Caitlin Clark, the team’s star point guard and one of the most prominent figures in women’s basketball, who sustained a season-ending groin injury in July. Clark, who had been the Fever’s offensive engine and a key draw for fans, was expected to be a central figure in the team’s playoff run. However, her injury forced the team to rely on the collective strength of its roster, particularly the contributions of All-Star forwards Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.

The Fever’s performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite Clark’s struggles with injuries and a significant drop in her shooting accuracy—making just 27.9% of her 3-pointers this season—the team not only maintained its competitive edge but also improved upon its regular-season record. The team finished the regular season at 24-20, outperforming their performance from last year when Clark was healthy and led the league in assists and 3-pointers.

Fever coach Stephanie White praised the team’s resilience and determination, highlighting the 7-0 run in the final minutes that secured the victory. “The resilience, the toughness, the grit, the fight, the scrappiness,” White said. “You always give yourself a chance.”

The team had hoped Clark might return for the end of the regular season, but with her injury deemed season-ending, the Fever had to adapt quickly. Their ability to thrive without her has not only surprised fans but also redefined the narrative around the team’s potential.

Now, the Fever face a daunting challenge in the upcoming rounds, where they will be underdogs against the Las Vegas Aces, who have won two of the last three WNBA championships. However, the team can take comfort in the fact that they have already achieved the seemingly impossible—losing their star player and still emerging stronger.

This victory is a testament to the depth of the roster and the team’s ability to rally together in the face of adversity, setting the stage for what could be a memorable playoff run. The Fever’s success without Clark also raises questions about the team’s long-term strategy and how they will balance her presence with the growing contributions of other players.

Clark, who had never missed a game in her college career or during her rookie season in 2024, was a dominant force on the court, averaging the seventh-most points in the WNBA and leading the league in assists. Her 122 three-pointers this season had been a record, but her performance dipped significantly this year, raising questions about her overall health and form.

The Fever’s ability to adapt and win without her highlights the importance of team depth and the value of a well-rounded roster. As the WNBA continues to evolve, the Indiana Fever’s performance this season may serve as a blueprint for how teams can thrive even in the face of adversity.

The team’s journey this season is not just a story of resilience but also a reflection of the growing strength of women’s basketball as a whole. It shows that while individual stars can elevate a team, it is often the collective effort and adaptability of the entire roster that leads to long-term success.