ATLANTA, GA — Natasha Howard Drops 26 in Fever Road Win vs Dream
On May 22, 2025, the Indiana Fever secured a hard-fought 81–76 road victory over the Atlanta Dream, propelled by a commanding 26-point performance from veteran forward Natasha Howard. The win served as a bounce-back effort following a narrow 91–90 loss to the Dream earlier in the week, and it improved the Fever’s record to 2–1 on the season. Howard’s scoring outburst matched her career high for field goals made in a single game, a benchmark she previously set in 2022 while playing for the New York Liberty. Along with her scoring, Howard contributed seven rebounds and anchored the team defensively, playing a pivotal role in the Fever’s success on both ends of the floor.
The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 16,888 fans at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, a venue much larger than the Dream’s usual home court. The Fever demonstrated poise in a high-pressure environment, led by their veteran stars and timely contributions from key players. Kelsey Mitchell added 17 points, including a critical three-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped Indiana regain the lead and maintain momentum late in the game. Mitchell’s leadership in the backcourt, coupled with Howard’s dominance in the paint, gave the Fever a balanced and dangerous offensive attack.
Making her season debut, Sophie Cunningham provided valuable minutes off the bench after returning from an ankle injury. Though her impact did not fully show on the stat sheet, her physicality and defensive energy were important in helping Indiana control the pace during key stretches. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark experienced an uncharacteristic cold shooting night from three-point range. The rookie standout went 0-for-5 from beyond the arc, ending her remarkable streak of 140 consecutive games with at least one made three-pointer, a run that dated back to her collegiate career. Clark still managed to contribute 11 points and six assists, showing maturity in finding ways to impact the game despite the shooting struggles.
Atlanta fought hard to stay within reach throughout the contest, led by standout performances from Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. However, the Dream struggled with shooting consistency in the closing minutes and could not contain Indiana’s post presence defensively. Indiana’s ability to respond to Atlanta’s runs and make key defensive stops down the stretch proved to be the difference.
This performance signals a strong start to the season for Indiana, who appear to be finding cohesion between their experienced veterans and emerging young talent. Natasha Howard’s leadership has been instrumental in setting the tone, while Mitchell and Clark continue to grow into their roles as central figures in the team’s offensive structure. The contributions off the bench and on defense underscore a deeper roster that is capable of competing with top-tier opponents.
Looking ahead, the Fever will return home to face a significant challenge in the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty on Saturday, May 24, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the season still young, this matchup offers another opportunity for Indiana to test its progress and build on the confidence gained from a key road victory.
This win against Atlanta not only marks an early season triumph for the Fever but also highlights the competitive edge and resilience developing within the roster. As the team continues to gel, performances like Howard’s will be essential in shaping a campaign that could position Indiana as a legitimate contender in the 2025 WNBA season.
Watch Full Highlights of WBA Game Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream :
