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Mercury-Fever Preview

Sep 2, 2009 - 3:34 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Phoenix (20-9) at Indiana (20-8), 7:00 p.m. EDT

Despite suffering a tough loss in their last game, thanks to some help, the Indiana Fever have clinched their first Eastern Conference regular-season title. They're hoping they won't need assistance for their next goal - the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs.

The Fever look to bounce back after their third loss in four games as they take on the Western Conference-leading Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night.

Despite losing two of three, Indiana (20-8) was in position to clinch its first-ever Eastern Conference title in its last game. The Fever, though, blew a 14-point, third-quarter lead and were beaten on a last-second shot in a 79-78 loss to Sacramento on Saturday that snapped a 13-game home winning streak.

"This is definitely tough to swallow," said Tamika Catchings, who finished with 22 points, six rebounds and four steals. "We're the best we have ever been and there's never going to be another team like this. You have to take advantage of every opportunity."

Catchings and the Fever were helped out, though, by Seattle's 91-84 double-overtime victory over second-place Atlanta, which guaranteed Indiana the No. 1 seed throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Fever now are focusing on finishing with the WNBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Their nearest pursuer in the West is the Mercury (20-10), who hurt their chances at catching Indiana with a 101-99 loss to Detroit on Tuesday.

Indiana, which is 5-6 against the West, can't clinch the No. 1 overall seed, but a victory over the Mercury on Wednesday will make it much harder for Phoenix to catch them. A win is also important for the Fever as they try to build momentum before beginning a tough stretch to end the regular season. After Wednesday, Indiana plays four of five on the road, where they've dropped three of four.

This is the second meeting between the conference leaders this season. Indiana beat Phoenix 90-83 last month for its third straight win over the Mercury and seventh in nine games. Katie Douglas scored 28 points and finished with a career-high six 3-pointers in that victory.

Phoenix's loss Tuesday cut its margin for the top seed in the West to one-game over Seattle. Cappie Pondexter scored 25 points and Diana Taurasi added 20, but she missed a potential winning 3-pointer as time expired.

"Getting momentum for the playoffs is vital - not because of our record, but just to be a better team," Pondexter said. "The team that has that momentum is probably going to be the team that takes it all."

Tuesday's loss dropped the Mercury to 8-4 against the East this season.