Indianapolis, IN – The Gainbridge Fieldhouse faithful erupted on Friday night, July 11, 2025, as the Indiana Fever delivered a scintillating second-half performance, torching the Atlanta Dream 99-82 in a pivotal WNBA matchup. What started as a competitive back-and-forth affair ultimately spiraled into a commanding Fever victory, showcasing their burgeoning chemistry and a deep roster that’s finding its stride at the perfect time. This win not only evens the season series at 2-2 against a formidable Dream squad but also underscores the Fever’s playoff aspirations as the 2025 WNBA season intensifies.
The game began with the kind of high-octane energy expected from two teams vying for position in the fiercely contested WNBA standings. The Atlanta Dream, known for their aggressive defense and potent scoring, came out firing, particularly from beyond the arc. Guard Jordin Canada was in a league of her own in the first half, showcasing a career-best shooting display. Her six three-pointers and 26 points before the halftime buzzer had the Dream dreaming big, as they held a precarious 45-40 lead, capitalizing on some late Fever turnovers. Rhyne Howard added her usual offensive punch, while Brittney Griner battled inside, reminding everyone of her formidable presence.
However, the tide began to turn dramatically after the intermission. The Indiana Fever, fueled by a renewed intensity and exceptional ball movement, transformed into a different beast. Head Coach Stephanie White’s adjustments clearly resonated, as the Fever’s offense clicked into a higher gear, exhibiting a fluidity that had been elusive in recent outings. The stat sheet tells a clear story: a staggering 59 points poured in during the second half, a season-high for the Fever and tied for their best in seven years.
The third quarter proved to be the pivotal turning point. Trailing 63-60 with just under four minutes remaining in the frame, Indiana slammed the door shut on Atlanta’s offense, holding them without a field goal for the rest of the quarter. This defensive tenacity, coupled with a late surge of four points, set the stage for a dominant fourth quarter. The Fever opened the final period with an explosive 11-2 run, extending their lead to a comfortable 80-67, and never looked back.
Leading the charge for the Fever was veteran sharpshooter Kelsey Mitchell, who put on a clinic with a game-high 25 points, punctuated by timely threes and aggressive drives. But it wasn’t a one-woman show. All-Star forward Aliyah Boston continued to demonstrate why she’s a cornerstone of this franchise, delivering a stellar performance with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and a career-high 8 assists. Her court vision and ability to facilitate the offense were instrumental in the Fever’s second-half surge, as Indiana recorded an impressive 27 assists on 35 made baskets – a remarkable 77% assist rate.
Much of the pre-game buzz naturally centered around Caitlin Clark, the highly anticipated rookie sensation, making her second appearance back from a groin injury. While her shooting touch from long range (1-7 from beyond the arc) wasn’t at its sharpest, Clark still made a significant impact, dishing out a game-high 9 assists and adding 12 points and 4 rebounds in her 26 minutes of action. Her ability to command attention and create opportunities for her teammates, even on an “off” shooting night, speaks volumes about her developing court generalship.
Perhaps the unsung hero of the night was Sophie Cunningham, who came off the bench to provide a crucial spark. Cunningham’s energetic performance resulted in a double-double, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and willingness to do the dirty work. Her presence added another dimension to the Fever’s attack, proving that this Indiana squad has depth beyond its headline stars.
The Indiana Fever’s ability to bounce back from a recent 19-point loss to the Golden State Valkyries with such a resounding victory against the Dream highlights their resilience and growing cohesiveness. As Coach White often emphasizes, fostering team chemistry and playing for each other is paramount. This win was a testament to that philosophy, with players sacrificing individual egos for collective success, moving the ball with purpose, and exhibiting a palpable joy on the court.
As the 2025 WNBA season progresses, this emphatic victory over the Atlanta Dream serves as a powerful statement from the Indiana Fever. Their ability to weather early storms, adjust at halftime, and unleash an offensive onslaught, powered by multiple contributors, signals that they are a team on the rise. With the series now tied, and both teams showcasing their strengths, basketball fans can only anticipate more thrilling matchups from these two competitive WNBA franchises in the future.
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