Two factors make the biggest difference in the playoff matchups: the matchups and the coaching. A fine example of coaching and matchups flipping the odds came in the recently concluded Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream series. After losing game one of the series due to a fourth-quarter meltdown, Fever head coach Stephanie White came up with a plan that flipped the script in their favor. One of the underrated parts of the plan was matching up Brianna Turner against Brittney Griner.

Although the Indiana Fever had a lot of offensive power in the final two games of the season, it was their defense that sealed the deal. It was no secret that the Atlanta Dream would struggle to match the Fever’s intensity in the paint. However, they had hopes that with her experience, Brittney Griner would be able to answer the playoff call. But thanks to Stephanie White’s master plan, that did not happen. Praising this underrated decision, famous WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita made sure to praise the coach for her incredible strategy.

Talking on the latest edition of her Courtside Club podcast, she said, “Did you guys see the matchup that was happening? Anytime Brittney Griner came into the game, coach Stephanie White made sure that Bri (Brianna) Turner was in there as well. Is Bri Turner the tallest player on the Fever? No. Did she stop Brittney Griner on pretty much every possession? Yes.”

If we look strictly at the numbers, this matchup should have been in favour of Brittney Griner and not against. Brianna Turner is 6 inches shorter than her. She has played approximately 150 fewer games than Brittney. Even this season, Brianna had only averaged 8.6 minutes per game. But, as we said before, it’s all about the matchups. And with her quickness and 6’7” wingspan, she was able to contain Brittney Griner. In the two games where they both matched up, Brittney was limited to just 7 points (3-7 from the floor) in game 2, and 5 points (2-4 from the floor) in the elimination game 3.

But that wasn’t all. Stephanie White’s hidden ace, Brianna Turner, didn’t just handle Brittney Griner. She was also able to contain (somewhat) Jordin Canada as well. Speaking about this, Rachel said, “There was also a point where she was out at the top, guarding Jordin Canada. Who, by the way, Jordin Canada was cooking everyone on the Fever tonight. Jordin Canada was literally making her rounds on every Fever player, and Bri (Brianna) Turner also shut her down.”

While Jordin Canada went on to have an 18-point night, Brianna Turner’s defense forced some valuable misses that eventually led the Indiana Fever to the win. But now with the series with the Atlanta Dream in their rear view mirrors, it will be interesting to see how Stephanie White and her coaching staff plan to face off against the hottest team in the league.

How can Stephanie White lead the Indiana Fever to another upset series win over the Las Vegas Aces?

Last night’s Game 3s in the WNBA were very probably one of the most exciting slates of elimination games ever in the league’s history. The games consisted of a win for the underdog, the Indiana Fever, and an almost-upset elimination for the second-seeded Las Vegas Aces. But with A’ja Wilson’s clutch performance, the second-round matchup is set between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever. Despite both teams tying the head-to-head season series, the Las Vegas Aces are considered heavy favorites against Stephanie White’s Indiana Fever.

But now the question is, how can the Indiana Fever defy these odds? While looking at both teams’ season stats, it is clear that the Fever squad does have what it takes to beat them. They have a better offensive (3rd in the for Indiana & 5th for Aces), and defensive ratings than the Aces. But now, after all the injuries, it comes to Stephanie White’s hands to craft a plan that upsets a team that’ on an 18-1 streak. To do that, the Fever needs to shore up its defense.

As of now, the Indiana Fever holds opposition to 81.5 points per game. This would be the magic number, as the Las Vegas Aces have a 23-4 record when the team scored more than 81.5 points. It’s clear that for the Indiana Fever to win the series, they need to win one game away from home. While it may seem a daunting task considering Aces’s 17-5 record at home, there may be a slight silver lining. The Aces actually have a worse defense at home (80.9) than away (80.6).

The Indiana Fever indeed has a tough mountain to climb if they are to make the WNBA finals. But, they have already shown that they can shock a higher seed. Another thing that might come to their advantage is that the semifinals will be a best-of-5 series, meaning they will have more time to adjust. And knowing Stephanie White, if things are not working out, there will be adjustments for sure.