Indiana Fever experienced a lot of struggles this season but still managed to book a playoff spot after humiliating league leaders Minnesota Lynx, 83-72 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Despite the match having no bearing on playoff positions, the Fever showed that they are not the team to be underestimated ahead of the playoffs.

Fever's Strong Finish Tracks Players' Performances

Indiana Fever End Season Strong With Key Win Over Minnesota Indiana Fever End Season Strong With Key Win Over Minnesota
Indiana Fever official website

Kelsey Mitchell paced the Hoosiers with 18 points, claiming her season average over 20 points per game, an impressive feat for the star guard. Odyssey Sims chipped in with 13 points, and Aliyah Boston added an all-around quality effort with 12 points and eight assists.

According to Indy Star, the 24-20 record, which is the team's first winning campaign since 2015, is proof that the team is showing development through the years.

Minnesota Lynx Rest Key Star Napheesa Collier

Already assured of the No. 1 seed since Aug. 30, the Minnesota Lynx considered player health towards the end of the regular season, according to Sports Illustrated. All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, who had been averaging 23 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, rested on Tuesday to prevent injury risks.

Collier's absence was conspicuous, given that she is still a good MVP candidate and has also healed from ankle injuries earlier in the season. The Lynx approach was obvious: keep their core healthy for a healthy playoff run.

Fever Focus on Fine-Tuning Rotations Despite Low Pressure

While already bound for the playoffs, Indiana's seeding in the playoffs is contingent on the last few games by Golden State. The Fever will be the sixth seed if Golden State loses all the remaining games; otherwise, Indiana will be the seventh seed because of a tiebreaker in favor of Golden State.

Coach Stephanie White did not sit out important players or try everything with lineups in the last game. With the team having just overcome a series of issues, including five season-ending injuries to vital players like Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and Chloe Bibby, the Fever have added a number of players on hardship waivers.

Sims, who signed on Aug. 10, now starts at point guard. She has become a major contributor to the scoring.

White took this matchup as a chance to provide quality reps for her lineups and refine rotations, earning much-needed experience in a game without playoff seeding stress. This is a plan intended to better prepare Indiana for the playoffs.