The Indiana Fever have done what many didn't think was possible: make the postseason and advance past the first round. Indiana has made it to the semifinals after defeating the No.3 seed Atlanta Dream 87-85 in a nail-biting winner-take-all match-up on Thursday night. Their series clinching victory also marked the team's first in a decade. Having been faced with six season-ending injuries (a WNBA roster consists of a total of 12 players) the Fever have certainly done the unthinkable. Veteran Natasha Howard played a huge part in the Fever’s success and added 12 points and 6 rebounds in 25 minutes in their series victory over Atlanta.
These wins by the Fever have been solid proof that their aggressive offseason moves were very much necessary. It's unbelievable to think that at one point, many were wondering what their rotation would be because the roster grew so deep in the offseason. However, with all of the injuries they've faced, this didn't turn out to be the case. The Fever’s roster is a good mix of younger talent and veteran championship pedigree.
In February, Indiana signed 33-year-old Natasha Howard on a one-year $214,466 contract. And just taking a glance at her stats this season for the Fever, the move was clearly worth it. She is averaging 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game all while holding down the middle with Aliyah Boston. The Fever spent a lot of money to bring Howard to Indianapolis to play under Stephanie White, who had once coached her earlier in her career. White couldn't be happier about the move.
"Tash is our vet. Her leadership throughout the course of this season has been incredible. It's been a season that's had some peaks and valleys, and she's led us through it," White said after the Fever's win Thursday night.
Natasha Howard’s impact goes beyond her production on the court
There have been plenty of instances in which Indiana needed a player like Natasha Howard. For a team that has young up-and-coming stars, has faced adversity all season, and is still capable of making a deep playoff run, a veteran with Howard’s experience has become invaluable. After all, she's brought three WNBA titles and a Defensive Player of the Year award with her. The Fever have another great veteran player in Kelsey Mitchell, who was one of the finalists for the MVP award this season, but adding Howard has helped take some pressure off of Mitchell. Her success over her 12-year career is everything the Fever needed.
She leads anyone on Indiana's roster in postseason appearances (54 games). Howard gets her teammates ready to go before each game. Not to mention, she's been a huge mentor to rookie Makayla Timpson. They both played at Florida State. Veteran leadership has been impactful given the circumstances of the Fever having to bring in several hardship contract players. Howard has undoubtedly made that transition easier for them. If the Fever continue on the path they are on now and continue to trust in one another as they do so strongly, a trip to the Finals is very much within their grasp.
Natasha Howard will certainly be tested in the next round when she’ll have to face four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces.