"We have the type of team that can win" - Caitlin Clark gets real about Indiana Fever's chances as playoffs beckon

Before dropping the second triple-double of her young WNBA career, Caitlin Clark was excited about the upcoming 2024 WNBA playoffs. The Indiana Fever are back in the postseason for the first time since 2016, clinching a spot with six games left in the regular season.

In her pregame interview on Wednesday night, Clark was asked about making history with the Fever and ending a seven-year playoff drought. The rookie said she felt confident about the team's chances of making some noise in the postseason because of how well they've been playing lately (via ABC News):

"It's definitely a big moment for this place, but at the same time, I came in with the expectation that this is what's going to happen. For me, this isn't a party. Yeah, it's great. But there's so much left to be done. I'm not just happy to be in the playoffs. I feel like we have the type of team that can win and advance," Clark said.

The Indiana Fever clinched their playoff spot despite their struggles at the start of the season. The Fever started playing like a team in June when they put together a string of wins. They became a much better squad in terms of chemistry after the 2024 Paris Olympics break as well.

Caitlin Clark has been the catalyst of the Fever's season, with Kelsey Mitchell providing a lot of spark. Aliyah Boston continues to be solid as a rock, while NaLyssa Smith and Lexie Hull are X-factors that can change a game with a play or two.

Coach Christie Sides overcame a hard start to the campaign, wherein fans wanted her to get fired just 10 games into the season. The Fever never gave up and now look like one of the most dangerous teams heading into the playoffs. They currently occupy sixth place in the overall league standings, which means they could get matched up against the Minnesota Lynx.

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Caitlin Clark makes history with triple-double in win over Sparks

Caitlin Clark makes history with triple-double in win over Sparks (Image Source: IMAGN)

Caitlin Clark is the clear favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award over the Chicago Sky's Angel Reese. Clark seemingly ensured that there would be no more debate following her second career triple-double on Wednesday in the Fever's 93-86 win over the LA Sparks.

Clark finished the game with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to help Indiana win its 18th game of the season. They are now 7-1 since the Olympics break and are currently on a five-game winning streak with six games left before the playoffs.

The former Iowa Hawkeyes guard is also the fastest player in WNBA history to hit 100 3-point shots. She has plenty of time to shatter the record for most 3-pointers made, currently held by Diana Taurasi with 1,434 and counting.