Mitchell Scores 28, Clark 19 as Fever Disappoint Dream Crowd 84-79

In a tightly contested game on Monday night, the Indiana Fever, led by Kelsey Mitchell’s impressive 29 points, managed to secure an 84-79 victory over the Atlanta Dream. The game was played in front of a record-setting crowd of 17,608 at the home of the Atlanta Hawks.

Mitchell’s performance proved crucial as she sank the game-clenching free throws with just five seconds remaining. During the final moments, the Dream had a chance to tie but failed to convert two three-point attempts. They did manage to grab a couple of offensive rebounds but ultimately lost possession, which set the stage for Mitchell’s free throws.

The Dream, with a record of 10-19, was on the brink of entering playoff discussions, sitting just a half-game outside the final playoff spot. However, after trailing by as much as 18 points early in the second half, they mounted a significant comeback, partially fueled by Caitlin Clark’s pivotal three-pointer.

Despite the momentum shift, Indiana’s tenacity shone through as they outscored Atlanta 32-41 in the second half. The Fever had built a solid lead but found themselves under pressure when the Dream cut the deficit to just two points late in the game. Indiana’s response came from a critical five-point play that halted the Dream’s rally.

In addition to Mitchell, Aliyah Boston made notable contributions with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Damiris Dantas excelled off the bench, scoring 33 points. Caitlin Clark, who achieved her fourth three-pointer of the game, tied the rookie record with 85 three-pointers in the season—a record previously held by Atlanta’s Rhyn Howard since 2022.

Tina Charles emerged as the top scorer for Atlanta, finishing with 21 points. The team also benefited from contributions from players like Howard, who scored 16 points, and Allisha Gray, who added 12 points before receiving a flagrant foul from Boston during the third quarter. Jordin Canada rounded out the scoring with 10 points.

With just over four minutes left in the game, Howard’s three-pointer brought the score to 76-74. However, Indiana quickly responded with a crucial sequence that included an offensive rebound allowing Clark to find Lexie Hull, who converted an and-1 layup, and Mitchell followed suit with her own and-1 layup after rebounding Hull’s failed free throw. This flurry pushed Indiana ahead 81-74.

As the game wound down, Nia Coffey attempted to reignite Atlanta’s hopes with a three-pointer, closing the gap to 82-79. Mitchell, demonstrating her poise in clutch moments, went on to seal the win with her free throws, ensuring Indiana’s victory against the Dream.

At halftime, in an atmosphere charged with excitement, the gold medal-winning team from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics was honored, a nod to the city’s rich basketball heritage.