Fever defeats Dream in a close match
In an encounter full of emotions, the Indiana Fever achieved a crucial victory over the Atlanta Dream with a final score of 81-76. The match, which took place before an exhausted crowd, marked the closing of a two-game series between both teams.
Natasha Howard led the Fever’s offense with 26 points, demonstrating her ability to score in key moments of the game. The match was defined by details, with both teams fighting to take the lead.
The previous game, played on Tuesday, had seen the Dream prevail over the Fever with a score of 91-90, which added an extra element of competitiveness to this second encounter.
Caitlin Clark, a key figure for the Fever, had an unusual night in terms of long-distance shots, missing her five three-point attempts. This situation ended an impressive streak of 140 consecutive games, including the WNBA regular season and playoffs, and much of her college career, in which she had made at least one three-pointer.
The last time Clark didn’t score a three-pointer was January 13, 2022, when he played for Purdue. In that game, he missed all six attempts.
Both Clark and her teammate Aliyah Boston were affected by fouls, having to go to the bench in the third quarter. Clark finished the game with 11 points and six assists.
Kelsey Mitchell, with a crucial three-pointer, gave Indiana a 76-75 lead. Clark assisted Boston for a basket that extended the lead to 79-76.
Rhyne Howard stood out for Atlanta, scoring 24 points and leading her team in scoring.
Sophie Cunningham, who debuted with the Fever after missing the first two games due to a sprained ankle, scored nine points. Coach Stephanie White confirmed that Cunningham was ready to play without minute restrictions.
The Dream announced that Jordin Canada, who is out with a right knee injury, will resume her basketball activities “in the coming weeks.”
The game was moved to State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, and it was announced shortly before the start that the venue, with a capacity of 16,888 spectators, was completely sold out. The Dream’s usual stadium, the Gateway Center Arena, has a capacity of only 3,500.
