Fever host Dream in elimination game with WNBA finals in mind

The Fever are thrilled to be playing to win the Eastern Conference tonight, but they aren't satisfied. (via Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

It’s win or the season’s over. For the Indiana Fever, this is why you play the game.

I can imagine what the players are feeling right now. They woke up, had a great breakfast, went through shoot-around, and most are just settling down for their usual pre-game nap.

It’s game day, and they love every part of it. And how could you not?

There’s a special feeling going through the veins in every player. This state of euphoria brings chills through their body…and mine.

I’ve had an unbelievable time working with the Indiana Fever. My time with them both at Conseco Fieldhouse and occasionally on the road are some memories I will remember forever.

This collaborative group has been incredibly fun to work with, like most of the teams over my decade.

Tonight will be fun regardless, and with or without Tamika Catchings, the Fever have enough power to advance to their second WNBA Finals in three years. Catchings went down hard in game two Sunday in Atlanta after landing on center Alison Bales foot. She had to be carried off the floor by teammates Shavonte Zellous and Tammy Sutton-Brown.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a professional team care so much about each other. Saturday night before the game, Catchings treated the team to dinner at Ruth’s Chris for their contribution in helping her win her first MVP award. When she went down late Sunday, every player and coach ran off the bench to check on her and provide support. This picture tells the story.

The Fever do have the advantage of playing at Conseco Fieldhouse where they have never lost a deciding game in their 12-year franchise history.

My key to the game for Indiana is to contain Angel McCoughtry and Iziane Castro Marques. McCoughtry wasn’t even a factor in Indy for game one, but went off for 27 points. Defense has always been a staple for the Fever and it must continue tonight. This serious has been very physical, probably more so than the opening round against New York.

The Fever will bring it, as will the Dream. Both teams hope to have more points on the scoreboard tonight at the conclusion…and then sport new conference championship t-shirts and hats.

There’s a buzz in the air and I hope Indianapolis shows up and brings an electric atmosphere. That’s just what the team deserves. The teams certainly have that unique euphoria rushing through their bodies…once they wake up, their blood will be pumping and ready to go.

Bring it home.

The elimination game tips-off at 8 pm on ESPN2, with the winner advancing to the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx.

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