Natasha Howard led the Indiana Fever to an impressive 81-76 victory over the Atlanta Dream with a standout performance, scoring 26 points and grabbing seven rebounds. This win improves the Fever’s record to 2-1 in the season.
After a challenging first quarter, where Indiana struggled offensively and trailed 13-18, the team rallied back thanks to key contributions from bench players Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull, and strong defense from Damiris Dantas. The Fever found their rhythm in the second quarter, with Dantas hitting a three-pointer to tie the game before Kelsey Mitchell propelled Indiana into the lead with a deep shot. Mitchell’s nine points in the second quarter helped the Fever take a narrow 37-34 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, Howard dominated, scoring 13 points early on and continuing to help her team with important rebounds. Her performance in the paint remained crucial as the game progressed, ultimately contributing to Indiana’s crucial late-game plays. As the clock wound down, Mitchell’s timely three-pointer shifted the momentum back to Indiana, allowing them to edge ahead. In the final moments, layups and free throws sealed the victory for the Fever.
In notable post-game highlights, guard Sophie Cunningham made her season debut after recovering from an ankle injury, showcasing her scoring ability with a notable three-pointer. Howard’s performance matched her career-high for field goals, illustrating her valuable contribution to the team’s efforts and success. Additionally, the Fever’s rebounding ability continues to shine, as they currently lead the WNBA with a total of 119 rebounds this season.
Looking ahead, the Indiana Fever are set to host the defending WNBA Champion New York Liberty on Saturday, May 24, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, promising an exciting matchup for fans. Overall, the Fever’s resilience and teamwork display a promising start to their season, instilling hope for continued success as they move forward.