A full circle moment completes for the first-overall pick Caitlin Clark as she will debut her playoffs the same way she did her WNBA career: In Uncasville against the Connecticut Sun. The excitement must be palpable for the Indiana Fever as they prepare to make their long-awaited playoff appearance after eight long years. However, their path won’t be easy, as they’ll be squaring off against a tough opponent—the Connecticut Sun—who have a wealth of playoff experience and hold the record for the longest active streak of consecutive playoff appearances.

But both the teams remain determined with stronger reasons for each to stay put. Certainly unpredictable playoffs then. However, having already faced off four times during the regular season and a few more in the last few years, their matchups can just give a glimpse into what to expect. So here is the history track.

Connecticut Sun remains perseverant

As the Uncasville franchise gears up for yet another first round of the playoffs, they’re set to extend their appearance streak to eight consecutive years—two more than the Las Vegas Aces’ active six-year run. What’s intriguing is that the Fever’s last playoff appearance in 2016 was also the last time the Sun missed the postseason. Since then, the team has made it to the playoffs every year from 2017 up to now.

While the team has risen as a formidable unit recently, this Connecticut Sun, originally founded in 1999 as the Orlando Miracle, didn’t make the playoffs in their inaugural season. But they returned stronger the very next year to secure their first playoff appearance. However, with the defeat to the Cleveland Rockers in the first round, they had to bid goodbye to the postseason further.

The next major milestone for them was reaching the WNBA Finals in the back-to-back years, 2004 and 2005. Unfortunately, they once again got themselves unlucky on both occasions, falling to Seattle Storm (2-1) and Sacramento Monarchs (3-1) respectively.

The Suns would see 5 more playoff appearances follow until their streak began in 2017, but a championship title evaded them every time. They also made it to the finals only in 2019, the first since 2005, but succumbed to the Minnesota Lynx after a tough fight to end 2-3. Nevertheless, they were not yet to give up as they reached another final again in 2022. However, the title was still not written in the stars as they lost to the Las Vegas Aces in a 3-1 series with Wilson’s team launching their quest for a three-peat.

With a constant determination, the Sun have made it to the playoffs 17 times in 25 years of history and have won 40 out of their 81 playoff games. It also includes four trips to the finals. Despite their consistent efforts, the elusive championship title continues to slip away. However, their first-round foes have got better luck.

Indiana Fever’s journey back to the playoffs

Although Indiana Fever are preparing to make their playoff return for the first time since 2016, they were once a regular playoff participant. The Fever was founded in 2000 and has had a rich history in the league as they boast 13 playoff appearances in their 24 seasons and have won 33 out of their 72 playoff fixtures.

They qualified for the first time in 2002, but it turned out to be a short journey as they were handed a defeat by the New York Liberty in the very first round. It wasn’t until 2005 that the team started to firm its grip, and went on to create an impressive streak of 12 consecutive playoff appearances that remains the longest in league history. This impressive stint lasted until 2016.

During the run, the Indianapolis franchise reached the finals thrice. Their first final was a heartbreaking experience, as Phoenix Mercury came out to be the better side in a nail-biting 3-2 series. However, they didn’t leave empty-handed in 2012. They sailed through the finals after three years, and this time snatched the championship against the Minnesota Lynx and won the series by 3-1.

But the Lynx got their revenge in 2015, which would also be the Fever’s last appearance in the WNBA Finals. Following year, they faced yet another setback when the Mercury eliminated them in the single-elimination round. After that, it wasn’t until the arrival of Caitlin Clark and a roster of young players that the Fever found their spot back in the playoffs.

A long-time rivalry

With just a year difference in their debut in the WNBA, the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun have been facing off against each other for 25 years. Their rivalry extends beyond regular-season matchups, spilling over into tough playoff battles as well. Over the years, these two teams have met a total of 90 times in the regular season alone.

The Sun has come out to be the better side with 58 victories, while the Indianapolis franchise has only tasted the win 32 times. This gives the Sun a convincing 64.4% winning percentage in their regular-season matchups. However, they have also met three times in the playoffs before they go down for their fourth battle.

Both of them first locked horns in the 2005 Conference Finals, where the Sun swiftly swept the Fever with a 2-0 victory in the best-of-three series. However, the Fever didn’t forget. When the chance for revenge came in 2007, they didn’t shy away from acting on it. The Fever gave their opponent a 2-1 knockout punch in the first round of the playoffs. Although, one of the most significant fixtures was played in 2012 when the Fever once again sent the Sun packing in the Conference Finals. With the victory, they cleared their path to their first-ever WNBA championship.

This gives the Fever a slight edge, particularly in playoff history. However, the noteworthy point is that both teams remain equal in wins, with each side claiming four victories in those playoff fixtures.

If highlighting the 2024 season, the Sun again have an upper hand, winning three of their four matchups against the Fever. The Fever’s only win came during their most recent game in late August. Over the top, the Sun is riding momentum with three victories in their last five regular season games, while the Fever managed just two wins over the same stretch. The latter may have an upper hand in their playoff history, but heading into this series, recent performance and consistency will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

The first game tips off on September 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena. It remains to be seen if Sun’s road to their first title continues or Fever gives a glimpse of their 2012 run.