Mitchell, Clark Lead Fever to 14th Win, Team’s Best Since 2016

In a thrilling matchup in Atlanta, Kelsey Mitchell led the Indiana Fever to a hard-fought victory over the Atlanta Dream, scoring 29 points, including crucial free throws just five seconds before the final buzzer. The Fever triumphed with a score of 84-79, disappointing a record crowd of 17,608 fans at the home of the Atlanta Hawks.

The game was tightly contested in the closing moments, with the Dream attempting two three-pointers without a timeout. Despite their struggles, they secured two offensive rebounds but ultimately lost possession, leading to Mitchell’s pivotal free throws to seal the win for Indiana.

Supporting Mitchell, Aliyah Boston had a standout performance, contributing 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Damiris Dantas made a significant impact off the bench, scoring 33 points. This victory marked the Fever’s 14th win of the season, their most since finishing 17-17 in 2016.

Caitlin Clark played a key role as well, adding 19 points, including four three-pointers. Clark’s performance tied the rookie record for the most three-pointers in a season with 85, previously set by Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard in 2022. In addition to her scoring, Clark also recorded seven assists and seven rebounds. This achievement marked her 21st game of the season with at least 15 points and five assists, setting a new record for the WNBA.

The Dream entered the game in a competitive position, just a half-game behind the final playoff spot. However, they found themselves trailing by 18 points early in the second half. With Clark’s timely three-pointer, Atlanta managed to rally back, outscoring the Fever 41-32 in the second half. They came within two points during the stretch, but a pivotal five-point possession by Indiana thwarted their comeback effort.

Tina Charles was the leading scorer for Atlanta, finishing the game with 21 points. The team’s roster also featured Howard, who contributed 16 points, and Allisha Gray, who added 12 points before exiting the game after receiving a flagrant foul from Boston in the third quarter. Jordin Canada rounded out the Dream’s scoring with 10 points.

With 4:13 left in the game, Howard’s three-pointer pulled Atlanta to within 76-74, but just a minute later, an offensive rebound allowed Clark to find Lexie Hull, who converted an and-1 layup to extend Indiana’s lead. Hull’s missed free throw was rebounded and converted by Mitchell for another three-point play, putting the Fever ahead 81-74.

In the final minute, Nia Coffey hit a crucial three-pointer for Atlanta, narrowing the score to 82-79, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

During the game, the Fever showcased their skill with a strong performance in the first half, where Mitchell and Boston shot efficiently, combining for 15 and 12 points respectively. The Fever took a 52-38 lead by halftime, positioning themselves for the second half.

In a special moment, the 1996 gold medal-winning women’s basketball team from the Atlanta Olympics was honored during the halftime break, celebrating their legacy and contributions to the sport.

The Fever’s victory not only enhances their playoff aspirations but also serves as a significant achievement in what has been a challenging season.

Source: The Associated Press