This evening could potentially be a preview of the 2011 WNBA Finals—or at least I hope so.
The Indiana Fever are on the road for three straight road games, beginning tonight at Seattle against the 2010 champions.
Indiana is atop the Eastern Conference standings at 3-1, and hoping to add to a two-game win streak.
Katie Douglas leads the WNBA in points, with 21.3 per game average and making 57.1 percent of shots from long-range. Selfishly, I’d like to take the credit, warming her up at each of the three home games this season. But it’s all her. Let’s hope her hot play continues.
Jessica Davenport continues to improve which is a great sign for Indiana. They need a strong inside presence that can finish around the rim and cause havoc on defense.
Last Tuesday against Tulsa, she was the spotlight player, finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. If you follow +/- numbers, the Fever were +18 with JD on the floor—the best by five points.
Rookie Jeanette Pohlen is still trying to get comfortable in a new situation and different playing style. She has been the first player on the bench in the last couple of games and she could provide a big lift if she can knock her shot down.
As expected, the WNBA is tremendously competitive due to better players entering the league and a mandated 11-player roster. Less roster spots means greater competition and better players at every position.
Minnesota had the best offseason, drafting Maya Moore at the No. 1 pick followed by Indianapolis native Amber Harris at No. 4. Combine those two with a healthy Candice Wiggins, Semone Augustus and veterans Taj McWilliams-Franklin and Lindsay Whalen—they are going to a big favorite in addition to the Seattle Storm.
Matchup history does not help the ladies—going 1-9 at Key Arena. Their last road win in Seattle came in 2006.
Tip-off set at 10 pm (Indiana time) and can be seen on FeverBasketball.com, heard on 1070 The Fan.