A franchise best record and a new mark for consecutive home victories were just two of the accomplishments the Ladies of Summer shared with us this regular season.
Now it is playoff time in the WNBA and a championship is indeed within reach.
The question is, which Fever team will show up? The one that ran roughshod over their opponents for the most part in the first 24 games or the one that limped to the finish in the last 10 games with a record of 3-7? We are about to find out as this talented group starts their quest for their first WNBA title.
Being the favorite and fulfilling lofty expectations can be challenging, and the Fever are undoubtedly looking at the post season as an opportunity to put their late season swoon of sorts behind them and focus on the matter at hand in the playoffs.
Led by an All Star tandem of Tamika Catchings and Katie Douglas, the Fever have more than enough offensive firepower to reek havoc with any opponent, but will need to bring a tough, hard nosed approach to the defensive end of the floor.
While Douglas and Catchings combine for over 32 points and 11 rebounds a night, they will need the inside presence of Ebony Hoffman and Tammy Sutton -Brown if they are to win the Eastern Conference and advance to the league finals.
Coach Lin Dunn has done a masterful job utilizing her bench and dealing with a plethora of nagging injuries that were a big reason for the lackluster finish down the stretch of the regular season. Veteran point guard Tully Bevilaqua has played inspired basketball this season and the team has received great support off the bench from Briann January, Jessica Moore, and Eshaya Murphy as well.
But to be a serious threat to win it all, this team must continue to play aggressive at the defensive end of the floor, and crash the boards with reckless abandon, a style that has served them well when applied throughout various stages of the season.
Playoff predictions? The Fever will win the Eastern Conference and advance to the WNBA Finals.
Notes: Attendance for the regular season was up slightly at 7.939 a game. Prior to the season, Fever owner Herb Simon had stated due to losing several million dollars since their joining the WNBA, the Fever would need to double the attendance and sponsorship revenue this season. Obviously they have not, and one must wonder if a WNBA title would help satisfy those writing the checks. The Simons have been wonderful owners and I think a championship just might be good tonic.
Playoff tickets are now on sale for game two against the Washington Mystics on Sept. 19. Game three (if needed) would be played on Monday Sept. 21.
Tickets can be obtained at Ticketmaster.com or the Conseco Fieldhouse box office which can be reached at (317) 917-2727.
A group of four can see the game, enjoy a hot dog, chips, soda, and receive a T-shirt for a total of just $60.
That, my friends, is a bargain. Go out and cheer these ladies on.
Danny Bridges, who feels the Fever are just as important as any other professional sports franchise in town, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com.
