Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever Face Major Twist Just a Day After Breaking 8-Year WNBA Playoff Drought

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ByOjas Jaiswal

Sep 4, 2024 | 11:51 AM EDT

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Caitlin Clark leads Indiana Fever to playoffs—can they handle the pressure and go all the way?

Yesterday was a night of celebration for the Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever as they secured a spot in the final eight for the first time since 2016, ending the longest playoff drought in the league. Surprisingly, they didn’t even have to play; the losses by the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream paved the way for the Fever’s playoff berth. However, the morning after this major achievement brought an unexpected twist for the team.

There are reports surfaced over the internet that suggest that the Fever’s President, Allison Barber, will be stepping down from the position post this season. A journalist from USA Today tweeted and wrote, “Indiana Fever news: President Allison Barber announced that she is stepping down from her role at the end of the season. Barber will help lead the development of the Marvella Project, a new effort to empower girls and women in Indiana through sports. #WNBA”

https://twitter.com/ItsMeghanLHall/status/1831334519435055234

Barber, who took on the role of franchise president in 2019, is now setting her sights on making a mark in basketball through the Marvella Project in Indiana. She was only the second person to lead the Indiana Fever, stepping into the role after Kelly Krauskopf, who left to become an assistant general manager with the Pacers.

Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, praised Allison Barber and said, “Allison has been a tremendous leader for the Indiana Fever over the last six seasons. We are grateful for her dedication and look forward to watching the positive impact she will continue to have during her next chapter.”As Barber prepares to depart from the Fever at season’s end, she can take pride in guiding the franchise to the playoffs during her tenure. Let’s dive into this significant milestone for the Indiana Fever.

Indiana Fever secures spot in final eight

For the first time since 2016, the Indiana Fever have secured a playoff spot, ending their seven-season absence from the postseason. This drought was the longest active streak in the WNBA and tied for the longest in league history, matching the Chicago Sky’s seven-year playoff miss from 2006 to 2013.

This will also mark Indiana’s first playoff appearance since Tamika Catchings, the franchise icon who retired in 2016. It’s particularly fitting that this milestone comes in the same season where rookie Caitlin Clark is emerging as a potential new cornerstone for the Fever. The rookie’s dynamic presence has been a game-changer for the Indiana Fever, completely transforming their season.

Securing a playoff spot with seven games to spare marks a dramatic turnaround from recent years. Just last season, the Fever were out of the running with five games still left to play. This year’s early clinch is a testament to the team’s remarkable improvement. With President Allison Barber set to depart, the Fever will aim to give her a fitting send-off by delivering a strong performance in the playoffs.

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Caitlin Clark leads Indiana Fever to playoffs—can they handle the pressure and go all the way?

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