Kelsey Mitchell scored a team-high 25 points as the Indiana Fever overcame a halftime deficit to outpace the Atlanta Dream 99-82 on Friday night in Indianapolis. The Fever’s second-half surge, outscoring the visitors by 22 points, was key in securing the win and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Strong contributions from supporting players boost Indiana’s offense
Aliyah Boston played a vital role for Indiana, contributing 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds before fouling out late in the game. Sophie Cunningham came off the bench to add 16 points along with 10 rebounds, providing critical depth. Caitlin Clark also made a significant impact with 12 points and nine assists, helping facilitate the team’s effective offense in the second half.
Jordin Canada excels despite the Dream’s loss
Atlanta’s Jordin Canada delivered a career-best performance by scoring 30 points and distributing eight assists. Despite Canada’s efforts, the Dream fell short. Rhyne Howard added 14 points, even after missing most of the second quarter due to a knee injury, while Brittney Griner contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Forward Brionna Jones, averaging 14 points per game, managed only six points before fouling out after 24 minutes.
Indiana’s shooting accuracy and offensive surge seal the victory
The Fever exploded in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Dream 30-17 and extending their lead to as many as 20 points in the final minute. After shooting just 30.9 percent in a recent loss to Golden State, Indiana improved dramatically, connecting on 11 of 30 three-point attempts and finishing with a team shooting percentage of 46.1 percent. Atlanta ended the night making 44.8 percent of their shots with 11 successful three-pointers out of 29 attempts.
Game flow marked by early Atlanta lead, robust second-half comeback
In the early stages, Atlanta surged ahead with a 12-4 run driven by Canada, who hit a three-pointer and set up teammate Rhyne Howard for another beyond the arc. Canada continued to dominate the first half, scoring 26 points including six three-pointers, giving the Dream a 45-40 lead at halftime. However, the Fever responded strongly in the third quarter with 29 points. Mitchell ignited the rally with a three-point play, successive flagrant foul shots, and a long two-pointer, pushing Indiana ahead 70-65 entering the final quarter.
Significance and potential impact of the victory
This Kelsey Mitchell Fever victory highlights the team’s resilience and improved shooting, which could prove crucial as Indiana aims to finish the regular season on a positive note. The dramatic comeback against a competitive Dream squad, featuring standout performances such as Canada’s 30-point game, underscores Indiana’s ability to rally under pressure. With both teams having four regular-season meetings, this result may influence momentum heading into upcoming contests and playoff positioning.