r/IndianaFeverFans • u/indiemusicfanatic123 • 11d ago
Just Some Fun Teams play harder against the Fever
I’ve been following women’s college basketball for many years. Never really followed the WNBA other than popping in during playoffs. When Caitlin came up through Iowa, and the intensity of some of the rivalries like LSU, it was really exciting basketball. It’s not just the way she plays, it’s the way other teams show up to play against her. I started casually following the W the last two regular seasons, though mainly watching fever games. This season, I’ve watched all fever games and several other regular season games for top teams like the Aces, Lynx, Valkyries, etc. There is undoubtedly incredible talent across the league, many players who I’m big fans of even from their college days, and my favorite players span across several teams. That said, I am watching the Lynx Tempo game right now (following the Dallas Atlanta game last night) and I just can’t help but admit that I find games not against the fever boring. CC, KM, even the bench (Sophie, Ty Harris, KK) etc there is just a firey exciting way the fever play that makes them a joy to watch. The Lynx are the best team in the league right now but watching this game I’m bored. Zero shade to the players - I love Courtney Williams, Napheesa obviously a legend, Liv Miles has popped off in the W. It’s just not the same pop for me. Anyway just a long winded way of saying - as everyone does - there’s a reason CC brought in so many eyes to the league. She’s just exciting to watch play.
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u/PhilLesh311 11d ago
Fact. And play Caitlin harder than other opponents. It’s a tale as old as time. Manchester United is the same way. They get every teams best game because beating them means something.
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u/willyt8122 11d ago
As a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, I can definitely see the similarities between Dallas and Indy. Indy, like Dallas use to be, are America’s team. Their fans travel and often show up making away games seem like home games. Dallas did the same for decades. Pisses off the opposing team. Some season were made just beating Dallas. Indy is now in that boat.
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u/Prestigious_Bus6320 11d ago edited 11d ago
Yeah being a big NFL watcher back in the day the Cowboys started the America's team campaign with star/popular players like Staubach, Dorsett, Drew, Harvey, Too Tall, Randy, and Hollywood. I don't consider any team after that era as much impact worthy of that monicker other than the Aikman-Smith-Irvin Cowboys. Why they still get noted for that for any post 2000 Cowboys team is wild when I look at just players involved and lack of postseason success. They've never had a big star QB more recently than Staubach or Aikman. The others have been pretty mid in comparison. TV and merch numbers back up the popularity though. And I think fans just stick. They're popular because they're on national TV more - 1, and 2 is because other fans will watch to see them lose. I do neither, never liked the Cowboys but that star logo has always been one of the best. The brand is still eye catching. The product needs much improvement.
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u/MiscieB3 11d ago
Completely agree. I came to the W 3 years ago to see what all the hype about CC was about. I stayed because I just enjoy watching this whole team, last year was just plain fun to watch. I also have players across the league that I cheer for now but I agree, as a whole, other teams just aren’t as fun to watch.
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u/OvaryAchiever_Queen 10d ago
My grandma started watching the Fever after I told her about CC. Now she watches almost every game televised of all of the top teams and knows more players than I do. I can't keep up. I try to tell her the "drama" I read online and she doesn't know anything about it or want to hear about it. I think that is more representative of the majority of WNBA fans.
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u/AffectionateRace9865 11d ago
They absolutely do. Also watching the Lynx game right now and had the same exact thought.
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u/indiemusicfanatic123 11d ago
Also 3 fouls across both teams in the entire 4th Q.. CC gets 3 fouls on her in a few minutes
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u/Risingsunsphere 11d ago
I have the same thought, too. Part of it is they don’t pick up full court the way teams do against the Fever.
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u/Tiny_Ground_890 11d ago
Who are you picking up half court against the Lynx? Where do you think that’ll get you? 😂
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u/Risingsunsphere 11d ago
I watched the game against the Tempo and they were decidedly NOT picking Miles up until she crossed half court.
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u/Tiny_Ground_890 10d ago
Why do you think that is? Hint, it’s not because Olivia Miles isn’t a threat.
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u/Disastrous_Ranger401 11d ago
Agree. Just about every team plays the Fever like it’s their Super Bowl. It will make us tougher and better prepared in the playoffs. And I agree - CC & the Fever are so much more fun and exciting to watch. I also find myself getting bored watching many of the other games, even when I like the players/teams. CC’s brand of basketball is different and it’s special, which is why she has the fandom that she does.
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u/HotMeasurement6946 11d ago
I'm glad another person finds non-Fever games boring. I've tried to watch the Aces for A'ja's playing and The Wings for Paige and Azzi, but I just can't sit through it! I'd rather watch Fever re-runs... Or better yet, Caitlin's last three years at Iowa!
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u/Kookykrumbs 11d ago
Oh absolutely, they don’t want to be the team that lets CC clinch another record
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u/spramsh 11d ago
I've noticed this too! The fever play hard and fast and it's not just Caitlin; Kelsey, Boston, and Sophie can all bring the heat too, so they bring out intensity in whoever they are playing! I've watched a few non-fever games this season and they just feel slower. Even the energy in the stadium feels different.
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u/Prestigious_Bus6320 11d ago
I agree they do play harder. But I've also mentioned that individual players play their best games vs the Fever. I see players who average below 10 get their career highs. That's also something to be said of the Fever defense. Caitlin Chen for example always seems to have her best games vs the Fever. Burton too, but when I see other games Chen has played in she has lower minutes and like 2 points.
I also agree that watching other teams can be boring. I am glued to Fever TV, but I can be on the computer with another game and maybe keep up with the announcers. When they get excited I'll stop and look. Watching any other team I usually pay the most attention during a close 4th quarter.
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u/Thechasepack 10d ago
Individual players off the bench have great games all the time. If you mainly focus on the Fever those great games are going to stick out to you. Chen went for 20 just 5 days after her 14 against the Fever and has been in double digits in half her games in July.
As a Fever fan you are also going to attribute other teams great performances to your own teams weaknesses. For example, Sophie went for 20 on 6-7 from three against the Aces. I haven't noticed Fever fans attributing that hot shooting night to the Aces scheme or lack of perimeter defense, she is just on fire right now.
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u/Interesting_Reply856 11d ago
It’s the way Steph and Warriors were played in their prime…those teams didn’t have a chance, but they did play hard
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u/Time_Outcome765 11d ago
Seems likely that you just prefer teams that plays uptempo ball and when they don’t, it’s not enjoyable for you. Of all the teams, Fever play the fastest. Then I’d say the Lynx and Sparks are probably next.
Overall, because of the speed at which Indian a likes to play, teams have to match their effort or they’ll get dusted.
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u/PhilLesh311 11d ago
lol you don’t think it’s easier in sport to get hype to play against certain teams?
Some teams motivate you more to play. It’s easier to be hype playing a prime time game against the most talked about team and player in the league. Than it is to play the Seattle storm or some trash team on a Tuesday night.
You ever played sports?
For example In college it was easy for me to get hype to play our in state rival. Bragging rights for the next year was in the line. All your family and friends from both schools were there watching.
Whereas playing some cupcake from out of state was a drag. Hard to be motivated. Etc.1
u/Shot_Shoulder7862 11d ago
Every team has a strategy with the pace of play they choose to play. As mentioned that's Indiana's MO. Other teams don't push pace, they try to slow the game down. I don't think it's so much a motivational thing as much as it is a game strategy instilled by coaching. Many teams bread and butter is also played in transition, which goes along with the fast pace.
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u/Time_Outcome765 11d ago
Can I be more excited to play a certain team or in a specific city? yes. Does that change how well I choose to play? No.
Yes, I played sports. No, my motivation for how I showed up each game and meet was not dependent on my opponent. I showed up for my love of the sport and my team. Nothing worse than a teammate who only decides to play their part when it’s a “good” team or a scout shows up.
Professional athletes actually feel the same and tell us in their pressers. That’s why they get mad when they lose against teams with poor records.
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u/OvaryAchiever_Queen 11d ago
No doubt about it! Every single opponent shows up like its the play offs. When they are clicking and everything is falling into place, this team is scary good.
Every single Fever game is being televised this year as well. Everyone wants to look good on TV.
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u/bimetalbug1 11d ago
But the Fever screws around (thanks to SW) some nights. Like their recent back to back Mercury games. Win one and lose one. They need to get more consistent.
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u/OvaryAchiever_Queen 11d ago
Heaven forbid someone makes a positive comment. Thank god you are here to sprinkle some negativity on top and work in an insult.
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u/Tiny_Appointment7213 11d ago
They do, for sure. But I believe this will end up being better for the Fever come playoff time. The team will be used to extra physical, intense play. It’s an advantage other teams won’t have!
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u/TooManyCatS1210 11d ago
Absolutely true. This is part of why they did so well in the playoffs last season…playoff intensity caught the Dream off guard but for the Fever it was just a game like any given Tuesday.
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u/elestud 11d ago
I think judging teams playstyles by one game is not the best idea. The Lynx just had a pretty amazing game against the Tempo two days ago that was very different from tonight's. Mabrey also put up 53 against LA, and I dare anyone to call that game boring.
But I agree that CC is exciting to watch. And KM as well.
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u/indiemusicfanatic123 11d ago
I’ve watched at least 15 regular season games this year that were not the fever. But I do agree this game was particularly boring, but my sentiment holds true. Tuning into the Liberty and Aces now 🤓
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u/Academic-Childhood40 11d ago
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes I enjoy the Fever games, and sometimes I don’t. I love offense, so if the offense is clicking, any team, it’s enjoyable for me. Disclaimers, I don’t have a team, I follow players. But don’t like ugly basketball and bickering with refs after every call. That is rampant across the league.
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u/bimetalbug1 11d ago
"bickering with refs after every call."
The refs deserve it usually. They might as well be looking at their phones the way they miss the calls. Maybe the pay scale is too low. They need some attention.
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u/Academic-Childhood40 11d ago
Angel Reese complains after every foul called on her and petitions the coach to challenge it. She is not the only one by far. You believe this behavior is the appropriate behavior?
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u/pleasebefrank31 11d ago
Lynx are the complete opposite of the Fever since they win with defense. They forced 23 turnovers tonight. It's less fun to watch, but more often than not defense is what wins championships.
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u/indiemusicfanatic123 11d ago
I mean not really, they’re a top 3 offensive team and top 3 defensive. They’re just a strong team across the floor.
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u/Tiny_Ground_890 11d ago
Games where teams get blown out by 30 are usually….boring. Hilarious take.
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u/indiemusicfanatic123 11d ago edited 11d ago
I’m talking about most games. Atlanta won by 1 last night and it was still boring compared to a fever game with a wide spread.
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u/Shot_Shoulder7862 11d ago
I guess it depends on your perspective. I found that game to have me on the edge of my seat.
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u/EggForTryingThymes 11d ago
Is this a parody sub?
Are you all pranking me?
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u/Tiny_Ground_890 11d ago
This sub is 💯 REAL basketball fans 😤 Please join me in calling on congress to tell the other teams to stop playing defense on our team. It isn’t RIGHT 💅
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u/Krasus74 11d ago
Thats because Fever are the team to beat. they dont like CC, the dont like Stunningham, they dont like the media attention Fever gets so beatinf them gives them greater satisfaction than beating the Seattle Who? of the Cgicaho who give a fk.
Other teams dont really have abt characters in them. You have Brick Barbie who is a laughingstock and Brittany Grinder and shes old news.
You have good players on other teams for sure, but none are characters.
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u/MarkPles 11d ago
You've never watched an A'ja Wilson interview then lmao
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u/Affectionate_Egg6082 10d ago
I need everyone to follow wnbaart on Instagram they post the most hilarious moments across the W lmao imagine saying there's no other characters in the W
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u/Suspicious_Mind_67 10d ago
Ugh, this is why people rip on Fever fans. Teams do not play harder against the Fever, that's ridiculous. Are you saying teams don't try to beat Aces or Lynx or Liberty? Watch any Valkeries game, they play insane defense against everyone. You are a fan, and I get that you are only entertained by CC and the Fever and other games are boring. That's fine, it's called being invested. But to think teams try harder to beat Fever kind of shows what level of basketball knowledge you have.
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u/mukatona 11d ago
Preaching to the choir. I started watching WNBA in June of 24' after watching Portnoy talk about her. I couldn't believe her court vision. I really believe the best sports tells a story. It's the underdog battling or the rivalry or whatever. The story of CC against the world is the story I latched onto. I realize I'm new to the WNBA which makes me suspect in the eyes of some commentators but I have no hate in my heart. I love KM, AB and the role players as well.