Fever survives Dream with a beating: Win or die in Game 3!

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Fever, after facing adversity throughout the season, including injuries to key players like Caitlin Clark, demonstrated their resilience by defeating the Atlanta Dream in a crucial playoff game. After falling in the first game of the series, the Fever responded with a dominant performance at home, securing a 77-60 victory and avoiding elimination.

This group has continued to show their heart and character, night after night.

Stephanie White, coach of the Indiana Fever

The Fever, seeded number 6, led the game from start to finish, reaching a lead of up to 24 points. This victory not only broke a streak of nine seasons without winning a playoff game, but also marked the team’s second-largest postseason win when facing elimination.

We knew they would come out to compete. They have been resilient all year.

Karl Smesko, coach of the Atlanta Dream

The decisive game, Game 3, will be played on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Atlanta, with the hope of advancing to the semifinals on Sunday.

With this victory, we give ourselves another chance in Game 3, emotions are high.

Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever star

The Fever took control at the end of the third quarter with a 7-0 run in the last 44 seconds. A three-pointer by Lexie Hull, after a steal, extended the lead and ignited the fans. This momentum translated into a 27-7 run in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory.

I feel like we responded when we needed to.

Mitchell, who scored 19 points

After a loss in the first game, the Fever showed their determination on both sides of the court. Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard, along with Mitchell, led the offense with double figures. The Fever’s defense also shined, limiting the Dream to their second-lowest score of the season and 5 of 19 in three-point shots. They were aggressive on defense. They were very physical. The Game 3 presents an opportunity for the Fever to secure their first playoff series win since 2015. For the Dream, it would be their first since 2018.

I have a lot of confidence in this team. I really believe we will play our best game of the series in the next game.

Karl Smesko

This is a group whose confidence has never wavered. We’ve been in all kinds of situations you can imagine, and we’ve been able to find ways to put ourselves in a position to win. And this won’t be different.

Stephanie White