Indiana Fever Vs Washington Mystics Timeline

Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics: A Timeline of Rivalry

A Historic Rivalry in the WNBA

The Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics have been fierce rivals in the WNBA since their inception in 1999. Their rivalry has spanned two decades, featuring intense regular-season battles, thrilling playoff series, and a shared history of success.

Early Years and the Birth of a Rivalry

* The Fever and Mystics first met in 2000, with the Mystics winning the inaugural matchup. * The rivalry escalated in 2002 when the Mystics defeated the Fever in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, sparking a heated rivalry. * In 2004, the Fever returned the favor, eliminating the Mystics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Heightened Tensions and Playoff Battles

* The rivalry reached new heights in the late 2000s and early 2010s. * The teams met in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2007, 2009, and 2010, with the Mystics winning the first two matchups and the Fever taking the third. * In 2012, the Mystics swept the Fever in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Recent Years and Continued Rivalry

* The rivalry has continued to be intense in recent years, with both teams consistently competing for playoff berths. * In 2016, the Fever eliminated the Mystics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. * In 2019, the Mystics won the WNBA Championship, adding another chapter to the rivalry's history. * In 2022, the Mystics defeated the Fever 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, maintaining their dominance in the rivalry.

Key Moments and Memorable Games

* 2009 Eastern Conference Finals: The Fever upset the top-seeded Mystics in Game 5 to advance to the WNBA Finals. * 2010 Eastern Conference Finals: The Mystics defeated the Fever in Game 3 with a record-setting 3-point shooting performance. * 2016 Eastern Conference Semifinals: The Fever's upset victory over the Mystics marked the first time they had eliminated Washington from the playoffs. * 2019 WNBA Finals: The Mystics captured their first WNBA Championship after defeating the Fever in the semifinals.