The WNBA is ready to resume action, with the Indiana Fever facing off against the Phoenix Mercury this Friday as the league returns from a nearly month-long break. This hiatus follows a monumental period for the WNBA, characterized by record-setting television ratings, skyrocketing merchandise sales, and sold-out arenas across the country. The pause, driven by the All-Star game—which shattered previous viewership records—and the Paris Olympics, where the U.S. teams once again asserted their dominance by clinching gold in both the men’s and women’s basketball competitions, provided a much-needed breather for the league. Notably, the women’s team extended their Olympic winning streak to an astounding 61 games, securing their eighth consecutive gold medal. With the next Olympic Games scheduled for Los Angeles in 2028, the anticipation for continued success is already building.
Caitlin Clark’s Game-Changing Break
Last one, Coach talking about Caitlin getting her shot back after some rest. Please follow “Locked On Women’s Basketball “ on YouTube for the whole video. #wnba #feverrising #caitlinclark pic.twitter.com/qBDohOxg3Z
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) August 13, 2024
Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s rising superstar and a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, has finally had the opportunity to recharge after an exhausting stretch of games. Clark, who has been on a relentless schedule since her junior season in 2023, including a tough loss in the NCAA finals to South Carolina just days before being selected in the WNBA Draft, has not had a substantial break until now. Following the draft, she dove straight into preseason and regular-season play, leaving little room for rest. Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides has stressed the significance of this downtime for Clark, noting, “A month of rest is exactly what Caitlin needed. I believe you’ll see a noticeable difference when we hit the court on Friday.” Sides highlighted the importance of mental and physical recovery for Clark, who has been carrying a heavy load for the team.
Even when fatigued, Clark’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable, averaging 17 points per game and leading the league with 8.2 assists per game. However, with this extended period of rest, there is a growing expectation that Clark will return to the court with renewed vigor, ready to lead the Indiana Fever (11-15) in their push for the playoffs—a goal the team hasn’t achieved since 2016.
WNBA Action Resumes
As the WNBA season picks up again, the New York Liberty (21-4) remain a formidable force, led by the dynamic duo of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. The Liberty have been nearly unstoppable, boasting a 9-1 record in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces (16-8) and Seattle Storm (17-8) have also demonstrated their strength, each securing an 8-2 record over the same stretch. The battle for the final playoff spots is intensifying, with rookie-led teams like the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky (10-14) fighting to stay in contention. Both teams have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, and as the season progresses, the pressure will be on to maintain their momentum and secure a postseason berth in what is shaping up to be a historic WNBA season.
it's no contest.
every stat that Caitlin Clark leads @WNBA rookies in 📊 pic.twitter.com/kjdZETUYZa
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 13, 2024
the court vision is unmatched 💯
Caitlin Clark's passing game made an instant impact in the pros 👏 pic.twitter.com/dCGqDMf522
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 14, 2024
