Sun hit the road for game at Indiana tonight

Early-season speculation in the WNBA wouldn't be complete without fans and media alike wondering whether this is the year the Indiana Fever fade from contention, especially with thirtysomething all-stars Tamika Catchings (turns 33 in July) and Katie Douglas (turned 33 in May).

And yet the Fever are like the final scene in "Fatal Attraction." Just when you think Glenn Close is officially dead, she suddenly emerges from the water, swinging the knife.

The Fever (4-1) who play host to the Sun tonight, share the lead in the Eastern Conference with the Sun and Chicago Sky.

"They have veterans who know how to win and how to lead," Sun coach Mike Thibault said. "They have two of the best players in our league, the reigning MVP (Catchings) and Katie who is an all-league guard. Their complementary players understand their roles and they have an improving post player in (Jessica) Davenport."

This is the Sun's second road game of the season. They've played three home games and will play three more at home this week, beginning with Sunday's 5 p.m. game versus Atlanta.

But it was on the road in New York earlier this season that Thibault saw signs of growth.

"Last year, I saw indecision in the fourth quarter," he said. "The biggest good sign from the road game at New York was that in the last three or four minutes, we stepped up and made plays at both ends. That's what I want. Act like you're supposed to win. Give yourself a chance."

m.dimauro@theday.com