Swish Appeal - 2014 WNBA Playoffs: #2 Indiana Fever beat #3 Washington Mystics to advance to Eastern Conference FinalsBasketball is basketball.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49391/swish-fave.png2014-08-24T11:00:03-04:00http://www.swishappeal.com/rss/stream/58182762014-08-24T11:00:03-04:002014-08-24T11:00:03-04:00How the Fever beat the Mystics
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<figcaption>Photo by Getty Images.</figcaption>
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<p>Turnovers have been a problem for the Washington Mystics all season. Against an Indiana Fever team that likes to force turnovers, the Mystics found themselves in a bind. </p> <p>Normally, you'd expect a team to have a very good chance at winning when they out-shoot their opponents, as the Washington Mystics did in their first round playoff series against the Indiana Fever.</p>
<p>The Mystics didn't exactly have a great shooting series, but managed to outshoot the Fever by a margin of 42%-39%. In Game 1, that was undermined primarily by a combination of Fever rebounding and free throw attempts.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Screen_shot_2014-08-23_at_6.35.01_pm_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4925910/Screen_Shot_2014-08-23_at_6.35.01_PM_medium.png"></p>
<p>As <a target="_blank" href="http://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/23/6061391/mystics-vs-fever-game-2-final-score-tamika-catchings-all-time-scorer-wnba-playoffs">already discussed about Game 2</a>, the Mystics cleaned up a lot of those more significant problems from Game 1, but got burned by poor shooting late in the game. And yet, in both cases, you could argue that the Mystics' turnovers were the biggest problem.</p>
<h4>How the turnovers hurt the Mystics</h4>
<p>Amazingly, despite the disparity in turnover rates, the Mystics had more points off turnovers than the Fever (32-29) but that's not entirely the point.</p>
<p>The problem for the Mystics is that their turnovers really reduce their margin of error otherwise to nothing: for example, although they shot more efficiently than the Fever in Game 2, when their shooting touch disappeared and their stars struggled to create shots the turnovers further wasting possessions with five turnovers in 15 just exacerbated their problems. Meanwhile, the Fever were able to lean on Tamika Catchings to create offense.</p>
<p>Similarly, those squandered possessions make it very difficult for the Mystics to hold leads: in Game 1, they went into halftime with a 36-30 lead. They could've extended that lead in the third quarter with Indiana shooting just 36.8% from the field to get a crucial road win in the series. However, they turned the ball over seven times for eight Fever points in the third quarter to help keep the game close and head into the fourth quarter (on the road) up just 50-47.</p>
<p>And that's what it has been all season for the Mystics: even when the numbers aren't bad, the timing of these turnovers can really hurt a team that really lacks the type of star power that Indiana had to just take over games. The Mystics just aren't a team that can afford mistakes like that if they expect to win games in a playoff atmosphere.</p>
<h4>Mystics series MVP: Kara Lawson</h4>
<p>With the Fever doing everything in their power to take away Ivory Latta with a combination of trapping defenses and outstanding on-ball defense by Briann January while Emma Meesseman was just completely overmatched by Tamika Catchings, the Mystics needed someone else to step up to score.</p>
<p>Fittingly, it was veteran Kara Lawson who did so.</p>
<p>Lawson didn't have quite the scoring performance (or devastating ball-handling highlight) that Ivory Latta did in Game 1, but she really showed up in Game 2 when they needed a boost. With Latta and Meesseman combining to shoot 1-for-10 in the fourth quarter and overtime - not to mention the surprisingly productive Tianna Hawkins fouling out within the first 15 seconds of the fourth quarter - Lawson did her best to pick up the slack by hitting a pair of her game-high four threes in overtime to keep the game from getting away from the Mystics.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Mystics got swept and Lawson had some untimely turnovers as well, but had they pulled it out in overtime her team-high 20 point performance would've been a primary reason for it.</p>
<h4>Fever series MVP: Tamika Catchings</h4>
<p>The only reason Catchings was considered an "x-factor" entering this series is because the regular season series was 2-2 and the Fever lost the only game she played. She figured to play a larger role in the postseason and she did exactly that.</p>
<p>The major challenge for the Mystics was always going to be what to do about the problem of guarding Catchings and Catchings guarding Meesseman - Catchings ended up winning the matchup on both ends by a large margin.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/24/6061225/fever-vs-mystics-round-1-wnba-playoffs-2014Nate P2014-08-23T22:04:58-04:002014-08-23T22:04:58-04:00Catchings, Fever get hot when it counts to advance
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<p>Despite shooting better than the Indiana Fever for most of the series, the Washington Mystics went cold during the final 15 minutes of their season-ending loss in Game 2. </p> <p>Shooting efficiency has been a challenge for both the Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics this season and it ultimately shaped the outcome of their first round series in the 2014 WNBA Playoffs.</p>
<p>The Fever outshot the Mystics 52.6% to 30.8% during the fourth quarter and overtime of Game 2 to earn an 81-76 win and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. What has to be particularly frustrating about that for the Mystics is that they actually did shoot better than the Fever for three quarters.</p>
<table align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Period</b></td>
<td><b>Mystics</b></td>
<td><b>Fever</b></td>
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<td>1-3</td>
<td>48.6%</td>
<td>31.4%</td>
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<td>4th-OT</td>
<td>30.8%</td>
<td>52.6%</td>
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</tbody>
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<p align="center"><i>Shooting percentages for the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever in Game 2.</i></p>
<p>But two things conspired against the Mystics at the end of the game: first, Ivory Latta couldn't make a bucket in the final 15 minutes of the game, shooting just 1-for-7 and air balling a floater long from the right block when the Mystics were down three with 42.9 seconds left. Second, the Fever had Tamika Catchings.</p>
<p> </p>
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<a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4925942/Screen_Shot_2014-08-23_at_7.07.43_PM.png">
<h2>Game 2 Four Factors</h2>
<img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4925942/Screen_Shot_2014-08-23_at_7.07.43_PM_medium.png"> </a> <span>Frustrating thing for the Mystics: they actually shot better than the Fever for the game, but were undone by a late cold spell.</span>
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<p>Defensively, Catchings just took young Mystics forward Emma Meesseman completely out of the game, holding her to 0-for-3 shooting and just two points off of free throws over the last 15 minutes. Offensively, Catchings just completely overwhelmed Meesseman late in the fourth quarter and OT to score 13 points of her game-high 26 points on 3-for-3 shooting from the field 6-for-6 free throw shooting. In the process, Catchings also became the league's all-time leading playoff scorer.</p>
<p>And if you want to summarize the gap between these two teams, those final 15 minutes pretty much put it on full display: although the Mystics did well for most of the game, their opponent just had a star who could completely take over the game when it came down to clutch time. Washington veteran Kara Lawson made a valiant effort to carry the team down the stretch, hitting a pair of threes for 6 of her game-high 20 points. But Catchings' starpower was ultimately the difference in this season with her ability to impose her will on both ends.</p>
<p>An embed of Mike Thibault's, Kara Lawson's, and Tianna Hawkins' press conference is above. If you can't see the video, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/thibault-lawson-hawkins-postgame-8-23-14">click here</a>.</p>
<p><i>For more on this series, check out <a href="http://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2014/8/21/6054235/2014-wnba-playoffs-indiana-fever-vs-washington-mystics-series-preview-results" target="_blank">our Fever vs. Mystics storystream</a>.</i></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/23/6061391/mystics-vs-fever-game-2-final-score-tamika-catchings-all-time-scorer-wnba-playoffsNate P2014-08-23T19:48:36-04:002014-08-23T19:48:36-04:00Indiana beats Washington in OT, 81-76
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FeverWin?src=hash">#FeverWin</a> and advance to the team's 4th straight <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA">@WNBA</a> Eastern Conference Finals! The ECF will begin Sat., Aug. 30. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FeverPlayoffs?src=hash">#FeverPlayoffs</a></p>
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianaFever/statuses/503324600349257728">August 23, 2014</a>
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<blockquote align="center" class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FeverWin?src=hash">#FeverWin</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FeverWin?src=hash">#FeverWin</a>! Fever 81 Mystics 76 Tamika Catchings 26pts/11rebs, Briann January 13pts/7asts</p>
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianaFever/statuses/503324311873417217">August 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>More on this later, but for now: congrats to Tamika Catchings for becoming the league's all-time leader in playoff scoring while helping to extend Lin Dunn's career.</p>
<p><i>For more on this series, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2014/8/21/6054235/2014-wnba-playoffs-indiana-fever-vs-washington-mystics-series-preview-results">our Fever vs. Mystics storystream</a>.</i></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2014/8/23/6061153/fever-vs-mystics-game-2-wnba-playoffs-2014-final-score-tamika-catchingsNate P2014-08-21T22:51:59-04:002014-08-21T22:51:59-04:00Ivory Latta has a sick crossover
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham, NBA</figcaption>
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<p>Move over Bria Hartley!</p> <p>The Washington Mystics <a href="http://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/21/6055427/fever-vs-mystics-round-1-game-1-video-ivory-latta-anklebreaker-crossover">lost 78-73 to the Indiana Fever</a>, but they still made a really nice highlight play in the process.</p>
<p>Remember <a href="http://www.swishappeal.com/2014/6/8/5790880/mystics-vs-fever-video-bria-hartley-crossover-layup-maggie-lucas">this move Bria Hartley</a> did on Fever guard Maggie Lucas early in the season? It earned her the <a href="http://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/18/6031199/seimone-augustus-kristi-toliver-bria-hartley-made-the-top-3-plays-in">#3 best play of the regular season</a> according to a league video:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4780202/HARTLEY_CROSSOVER_PLAY.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Hartley_crossover_play_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4780202/HARTLEY_CROSSOVER_PLAY_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1408673389560"></p>
<p>Well, Hartley didn't make the crossover this time. Ivory Latta, the veteran starting point guard has now <s>probably</s> made an even better move. Watch Latta cross over Fever guard <strong>(and WNBA All-Defensive First Team member) </strong>Briann January and then make a jump shot in the video above (from the WNBA's YouTube channel). It happened in the middle of the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Or you can watch this NSFW GIF below:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4921746/latta.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Latta_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4921746/latta_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>And this one:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4921754/latta_crossover_2.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Latta_crossover_2_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4921754/latta_crossover_2_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1408675562222"></p>
<p>Was there contact? Yes, a little bit. But it was not a flagrant shove that would have forced January to the ground.</p>
<p>But here is the funny thing about all of this. Perhaps the Fever should get crossed over again in order to win games against the Mystics. They're now 2-0 in games when this happens at their expense!</p>
<p>This sort of thing isn't unprecedented with Indiana pro basketball teams. <span>Bradley Beal</span> crossed over <span>Paul George</span><strong> IN A PLAYOFF GAME TOO!</strong>:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4882498/beal_crossover_small.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Beal_crossover_small_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4882498/beal_crossover_small_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1408675769208"></p>
<p><a href="http://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/9/5985727/washington-mystics-guard-bria-hartley-dribbling-skills">Time to have a dribbling competition</a> between Ivory Latta, Bradley Beal, Bria Hartley, and John Wall. This should be something fun to watch.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/21/6055427/fever-vs-mystics-round-1-game-1-video-ivory-latta-anklebreaker-crossoverAlbert Lee2014-08-21T21:44:24-04:002014-08-21T21:44:24-04:00Catchings leads Fever to Game 1 win over Mystics
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<figcaption>Ron Hoskins, NBA</figcaption>
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<p>For a sec there, the Mystics looked like they were gonna win. But no cigar.</p> <p>The Indiana Fever made a 10-0 run late in the fourth quarter to turn a 61-60 deficit with 4:18 left, into a commanding lead 70-61 lead with 1:40 left. In that timeframe,<span> the Washington Mystics committed turnovers in three straight possessions. </span><span>End result? Indy wins 78 to 73 and is now 40 minutes away from earning a trip to a fourth straight Eastern Conference Finals.</span></p>
<p>For the Fever, Tamika Catchings did not have a have a good shooting night as she only shot 2-of-12 in the first three quarters. But she dominated in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points, making all ten of her free throws. She also got a critical steal off of Latta during the late fourth quarter run.</p>
<p>And despite that 10-0 run, the Mystics managed to make things interesting, as they were able to make a late 12-5 until five seconds left in the game, which was capped off by an Ivory Latta corner three which made the score 75-73. That came off of a Bria Hartley steal. But ultimately from that point on, free throws iced the game.</p>
<p>There were times before the fourth quarter run where it looked like Washington would win the game. In the second quarter, Latta scored 9 points, all on three pointers in a critical 23-8 second quarter to help Washington get the lead in the second quarter. She ended up with 22 points for the game.</p>
<p>However, at least to me, this game should have probably been a blowout in favor for the Fever. The first quarter was 22-13 in favor Indy, but it was ugly basketball. The Fever outrebounded the Mystics, 16-7. but still only shot 8-for-21 overall, and was 4-of-8 from close range.</p>
<p>Another thing that we talked about in this series for the Mystics was their tendency to commit turnovers, while not forcing many themselves. They committed 17 of them which turned into 18 points for the Fever. While the Mystics scored 16 points off of 10 Fever turnovers, they allowed Indy to dominate them, 22-5 in second chance points.</p>
<p>Next game is on Saturday, at 5 p.m. at Verizon Center. The Fever will be ready to punch an early ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Mystics shouldn't give up that easily. At least if you're a Mystics fan, you would hope so.</p>
<p><b>Update on August 22 at 12:20 a.m. ET - </b>A postgame interview with Bria Hartley is above. If you can't see the embed above, <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/bria-hartley-postgame-8-21-14" target="_blank">click here</a> for the link to Monumental Network.</p>
<p><b>And some notes:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span>So some may have questioned us why we were unanimous in believing that the Fever would win this series. As we've noted,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/21/6053947/fever-vs-mystics-wnba-playoffs-2014-predictions-preview-tv-schedule"> Tamika Catchings is the X-Factor</a>, since she didn't play in three of the four games these two teams had in the regular season. She had 7 steals in this game.</span></li>
<li><span>Bria Hartley appeared to be really active on the defensive end for Washington. She got only two steals in this game, but it sometimes felt like she had more than that.</span></li>
<li><span>The Mystics held the Fever to 3-of-12 shooting from the three point line, and that's one plus for them for this game, considering Indy's ability to stretch defenses.</span></li>
<li>Emma Meesseman had five turnovers in the game, more than anyone on the Mystics. But overall, I want to see her get even more involved in the offense </li>
<li>Even though she didn't score much in this game, Erlana Larkins grabbed 10 rebounds in this game, including 4 on the offensive end. The Mystics only had 4 as a team.</li>
</ul>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/21/6055139/fever-vs-mystics-game-1-wnba-playoffs-final-score-tamika-catchingsAlbert Lee2014-08-21T16:00:03-04:002014-08-21T16:00:03-04:00Fever vs. Mystics series predictions: Advantage, Fever
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<img alt="Tamika Catchings only played in one of the Fever's four games against the Mystics this season." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PvqeAPIX_PpsLktK6MMHYnBR8Uo=/0x210:2489x1869/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37273322/20130929_mbr_ss1_212.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tamika Catchings only played in one of the Fever's four games against the Mystics this season. | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics series will feature two of the league's best coaches and one of the best defensive players in the league against one of the best defensive units. </p> <p>The #2 Indiana Fever and #3 Washington Mystics will kick off the 2014 WNBA Playoffs tonight at 7 p.m. EDT on ESPN2.</p>
<p>We've already gone in-depth about both teams, but what might decide the outcome of this series?</p>
<h4>Key statistical battleground: Shooting efficiency<br>
</h4>
<p>Albert pretty much summed up what this series comes down to in his breakdown of the Fever: "But if the Mystics have an above average shooting night and control their turnovers, that's going to give them the advantage in the series."</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
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<p>Both of these teams make up for below average shooting with three point shooting to boost their efficiency. They're both above average offensive rebounding teams. And while the Mystics are one of the best defenses in the league statistically, Tamika Catchings is more than capable of changing a game defensively.</p>
<p>So it really comes down to which team is able to get their shots and, more specifically, who's able to control the pace. Although these two teams played at the slowest pace in the Eastern Conference, it's decidedly less advantageous for the Mystics to play at a slow pace as it magnifies their turnover problems and negates their athleticism on the perimeter. The flip side: the Fever like to force turnovers and were third in the league in points off turnovers (16.47 point per game) while allowing the least fast break points per game (7.32); the Mystics commit turnovers at a high rate and were ninth in the league in points of turnovers allowed (16 per game).</p>
<p>So the Mystics are in a bit of a bind: if it turns into a half court 3-point shootout, that probably benefits the Fever as they can just spread the court with more three point threats. If it turns into a sloppy uptempo game, the Fever might be better positioned to capitalize on Mystics turnovers to boost their scoring efficiency. The Mystics need to push the pace and bring their athleticism to bear on the game, but also remained disciplined enough not to throw away possessions with turnovers.</p>
<h4>X-Factor: Tamika Catchings</h4>
<p>Though the season series was tied at 2-2, All-Star Tamika Catchings only played in one of those games. It stands to reason that this postseason series will be different than what occurred in the regular season. Perhaps the most interesting thing to watch will be how the Mystics guard Catchings and how having Catchings impacts the Mystics' inconsistent offense.</p>
<p>You assume she'll be guarding Emma Meesseman, who has certainly come into her own this season but will likely be challenged by trying to contend with a veteran defender like Catchings who should be able to keep up with her better than most post players in space and contain her in the high post.</p>
<h4>Prediction: Fever def. Mystics <br>
</h4>
<p>
<style type="text/css"></style>
</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="18" width="33%">
<p align="LEFT"><b>Name</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Winner</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Games</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="18" width="33%">
<p align="LEFT">Albert</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">Indiana</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">3</p>
</td>
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<tr>
<td height="18" width="33%">
<p align="LEFT">James</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">Indiana</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="18" width="33%">
<p align="LEFT">Kris H.</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">Indiana</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="18" width="33%">
<p align="LEFT">Kris W.</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">Indiana</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">3</p>
</td>
</tr>
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<td height="18" width="33%">
<p align="LEFT">Nate</p>
</td>
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<p align="CENTER">Indiana</p>
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<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">3</p>
</td>
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<td height="18" width="33%">
<p align="LEFT">Pat</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">Indiana</p>
</td>
<td width="33%">
<p align="CENTER">3</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Ultimately, there wasn't a whole lot of disagreement on this one. Both teams need to hit threes to win - the Fever shot a league-low 51.6% from within five feet this season - but the Fever's ability to force turnovers against a turnover prone team to get easy buckets in transition.</p>
<h4>Schedule/Broadcast info</h4>
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<p align="LEFT">Day</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Date </b></p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Game</b></p>
</td>
<td width="21%">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Away</b></p>
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<td width="18%">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Home</b></p>
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<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Time</b></p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER"><b>National TV</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="18" width="12%">
<p align="LEFT">Thursday</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">08/21/14</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">1</p>
</td>
<td width="21%">
<p align="CENTER">#3 Washington Mystics</p>
</td>
<td width="18%">
<p align="CENTER">#2 Indiana Fever</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">7 p.m.</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">ESPN2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="18" width="12%">
<p align="LEFT">Saturday</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">08/23/14</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">2</p>
</td>
<td width="21%">
<p align="CENTER">#2 Indiana Fever</p>
</td>
<td width="18%">
<p align="CENTER">#3 Washington Mystics</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">5 p.m.</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">ESPN2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="18" width="12%">
<p align="LEFT">Monday</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">08/25/14</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">3 *</p>
</td>
<td width="21%">
<p align="CENTER">#3 Washington Mystics</p>
</td>
<td width="18%">
<p align="CENTER">#2 Indiana Fever</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">TBD</p>
</td>
<td width="12%">
<p align="CENTER">NBA TV</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><i>For more on the series, check out our Fever-Mystics series storystream.</i></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/21/6053947/fever-vs-mystics-wnba-playoffs-2014-predictions-preview-tv-scheduleNate P2014-08-21T08:00:04-04:002014-08-21T08:00:04-04:00Will Dunn's effort to find rest for Fever pay off?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8DuxSzAjSnRb2oV__u_uCCTRXr8=/0x84:1024x767/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37245804/DSCN2997.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ray Floriani.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Lin Dunn discussed the importance of finding time for rest at the end of a compressed WNBA schedule in 2014.</p> <p>
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in</style>
<b>NEW YORK CITY</b>- A little more than a week ago following a crucial win over the New York Liberty, Indiana Fever coach Lin Dunn made an interesting point.</p>
<p>"We rested," she said.</p>
<p>The game was on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. The Fever were coming off a tough string of three straight losses so Dunn figured a day of rest would be beneficial.</p>
<p>"We gave the Saturday off and did not do a shoot around the morning of the game," she said.</p>
<p>The result was<a target="_blank" href="http://www.wnba.com/games/20140810/INDNYL/boxscore.html"> a resounding 90-76 victory </a>that put the Fever on the road to clinching a tenth consecutive playoff appearance.</p>
<p>A week later with a postseason berth clinched, the Fever were back to close out the regular season this past Sunday against the same Liberty in New York. Prior to the game, Dunn explained the reasoning behind her strategy of a week prior.</p>
<p>"This WNBA schedule has been the most condensed ever," she said. "We have had people with injuries getting back and we are a team that thrives on energy. In that regard it was best to give them time off so they had fresh legs."</p>
<p>The fresh legs and energy were evident as the Fever ended up getting an important win.</p>
<p>Dunn was told about a book I am currently reading. ‘Football Revolution' deals with the origin and popularity of the spread offense. In one chapter a west coast coach received criticism for giving the team off on Friday, the day before the game. The coach reasoned that the game plan was set, the team prepared and even a light work out the day before could result in a turned ankle or another similar injury. Simply, the work is done so take the day of rest.</p>
<p>Dunn wholeheartedly agreed with that philosophy noting, "sometimes forcing an extra workout can lend diminishing returns or an injury."</p>
<p>For the Fever, that day of rest over a week ago ignited a three game win streak that secured their 10th consecutive trip to the playoffs. And in keeping with her philosophy, Dunn rested starters Tamika Catchings, Brian January and Erlana Larkins for the last regular season game on Sunday.</p>
<p>Dunn may have a critic or two regarding her philosophy of incorporating rest into the program. But who can criticize or argue with her results?</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2014/8/21/6052233/wnba-2014-indiana-fever-coach-lin-dunnRay Floriani2014-08-20T13:00:06-04:002014-08-20T13:00:06-04:00Fever look to make 4th straight Conference Finals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yagz3UzWAVbWZ5sUONOHfS7oNs4=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37194568/20130926_mje_sz2_780.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Indiana Fever made its tenth straight playoff appearance, which includes two Finals appearances, and the 2012 WNBA championship. Let's see what team needs to do in order to give Lin Dunn the retirement sendoff that she deserves.</p> <p>After the Seattle Storm missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003, the Fever now has the longest running playoff streak. Unlike the Storm, which only advanced twice in the two years where the team won the championship (2004, 2010), the Fever has advanced to the Conference Finals in six of those ten years, two Finals Appearances in 2009 and 2012, and the 2012 WNBA championship over a heavily favored Lynx team.</p>
<p>The Fever also made this playoff appearance, largely without the help of their franchise star Tamika Catchings who sat out the first half of the season due to injury. With her back, as well as some big contributions from players like Erlana Larkins and Briann January, could this team be in position to make a fourth straight Eastern Conference Finals, and even the WNBA Finals? Let's see what they need in order to beat the Washington Mystics in their first round series.</p>
<h3><b>Strengths</b></h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4914580/coleman.jpg"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4914580/coleman.jpg" class="photo" alt="Coleman_medium"></a> <br id="1408519905452"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Stewart W. Small</i></p>
<p><b><i>To see the Four Factors and team rating stats, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/19/6028891/wnba-playoffs-2014-washington-mystics-preview">click here</a> to the Mystics' playoff preview.</i></b></p>
<p><b>Overall offensive efficiency - </b>The Fever has a team offensive rating of 100.5, which is the highest among all Eastern Conference teams. Among simple stats, the Fever is third place in the league for three point percentage at 34.58%, and was sixth overall in three point shots made with 175.</p>
<p><b>Many three point shooting threats - </b>There is no Ivory Latta on the Fever, but Marissa Coleman and Briann January have made a combined 79 threes themselves this season, while shooting over 38% from deep. Karima Christmas has also made 38% of her threes on 27-of-70 attempts. Shavonte Zellous, Maggie Lucas, and Tamika Catchings all have made well over 10 overall threes each. If Catchings was healthy all year, it's safe to say that she would have made at least 20.</p>
<p><b>High free throw rate</b> - Despite the Fever being 11th in pace, it has the highest FT rate in the Eastern Conference at 24.54%. Indy players have attempted more free throws than any team except the Tulsa Shock. If they can force the Mystics into foul trouble, it will definitely give them an edge.</p>
<p><b>High defensive turnover rate</b> - The Fever's defense has the third highest TOV% in the league. That defense will play the offense which has the third highest TOV% in the league. While you would think that Indy would have forced D.C. to a ton of turnovers, the Mystics actually kept their turnover rates below their season average in three of those four games. Therefore, Indy must put D.C. in situations to turn the ball over, which will give them easier buckets, and a better chance to win this series.</p>
<h3><b>Weaknesses</b></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4914588/hartley_angle_2_large.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Hartley_angle_2_large_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4914588/hartley_angle_2_large.gif"></a> <br id="1408520140669"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>That was not good.</i></p>
<p><b>Field Goal Percentage Defense - </b>The Fever's defensive eFG% is the second lowest in the Eastern Conference. It is partly because Indy can force turnovers. But if the Mystics have an above average shooting night and control their turnovers, that's going to give them the advantage in the series.</p>
<p><b>Fouling - </b>The Fever committed the most personal fouls in the league during the regular season, that contributes to a 27.98% free throw rate for opponents, highest in the league.</p>
<h3><b>MVP - Erlana Larkins</b></h3>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4914548/erlana_larkins.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Erlana_larkins_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4914548/erlana_larkins.jpg"></a> <br id="1408518575835"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Brian Spurlock</i></p>
<p>Larkins averaged 9.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.9 steals a game for the Fever in 2014. Given her impact on the court, she accounted for 4.9 win shares in 2014. Needless to say, her offensive and defensive ratings are 115 and 96 respectively. Outstanding numbers.</p>
<h3><b>X-Factor - Tamika Catchings</b></h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4914564/catchings_all_star.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4914564/catchings_all_star.jpg" class="photo" alt="Catchings_all_star_medium"></a> <br id="1408519237805"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Christian Petersen</i></p>
<p>Catchings averaged a team-high 16.1 points per game in the 16 contests she appeared in. Should she continue to play like this into the playoffs along with Larkins, and All-Star point guard Briann Janaury, this will probably enough to get them to a fourth Eastern Conference Finals.</p>
<p><b><i>Are there other things that the Fever needs to do in order to win their first round series against the Mystics? Let us know in the comments below.</i></b></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2014/8/20/6046845/2014-wnba-playoff-preview-indiana-feverAlbert Lee