Can Fever Still Be a Contender This Season? ‘You See It in Spurts,’ but That’s Not Enough
The Indiana Fever entered the 2025 WNBA season with heightened expectations, fueled by young talent and a fanbase hungry for a return to relevance. With the addition of top draft picks and key roster upgrades, the buzz around the team was undeniable. But now, well into the season, the question persists: can the Fever still be a legitimate contender?
The answer isn’t simple. On some nights, the Fever look every bit the part of a playoff-caliber squad. Their ball movement is crisp, the defense is engaged, and their stars show flashes of brilliance. As head coach Christie Sides put it, “You see it in spurts — we know what this team can be.”
Unfortunately, those spurts haven’t been consistent. The Fever’s young core, while immensely talented, is still learning how to close out games and maintain intensity across four quarters. Missed rotations, scoring droughts, and turnovers have haunted them in key moments. And in a league as competitive as the WNBA, brief moments of excellence aren’t enough to carry a team deep into the postseason.
That said, all hope is not lost. The team is still within striking distance of a playoff spot, and with continued growth, they could make a push down the stretch. Chemistry takes time, and the Fever are clearly trending in the right direction — just not fast enough for those hoping for an overnight turnaround.
To truly contend, Indiana needs more than flashes. They need full games of the kind of basketball they’ve shown in spurts — poised, aggressive, and disciplined. Until then, they remain a team with potential rather than a true contender.
As one fan put it after a recent loss, “They’re close — but close doesn’t win championships.”
