Fever clinch WNBA playoff spot for third consecutive season with Fire losing to Tempo

The Indiana Fever secured their third consecutive playoff berth in the WNBA on Friday, falling to the Toronto Tempo by a score of 82-79. The loss, along with a 91-85 defeat to the Dallas Wings on Thursday, denied the Fever the chance to clinch the playoffs directly. Joining the Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries, and defending champion Las Vegas Aces in playoff spots, the Fever's third straight appearance follows a seven-year hiatus.

The team's resurgence coincides with the addition of star player Caitlin Clark, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Last season, the Fever advanced to the first round of the playoffs before falling to the Las Vegas Aces in a five-game semifinal series. Currently holding the fourth seed with a 24-13 record, the Fever leads the league standings by a half-game over the Atlanta Dream.

If the Fever can finish as high as third, they would secure the third playoff spot. However, their position could range from as low as eighth, given the competitive nature of the race with six teams separated by only 3.5 games. The Washington Mystics missed an opportunity to improve their standing after losing to the Lynx 94-84.

Olivia Miles, returning from an ankle injury sustained in Wednesday's game against Golden State, contributed 24 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals to the Fever's effort.