INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Fever showcased a much-needed performance on Friday night, defeating the Atlanta Dream 99-82 in a game that reignited the team’s competitive spirit. After suffering defeats in their last two outings, including a significant 19-point loss to Golden State, the Fever demonstrated a stronger resolve and connected play, leading to a satisfying victory.
Sophie Cunningham played a key role off the bench, contributing 16 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Known for her emotional presence on the court, Cunningham energized the crowd and team as they built a double-digit lead late in the game. Kelsey Mitchell, usually more reserved, joined in on the enthusiasm, reflecting a growing camaraderie within the squad. “This is a special group that we have, and so when we can just go out there and have fun and be competitors… it’s just easy,” Cunningham remarked.
Coach Stephanie White indicated that the team is beginning to find stability after a season plagued with injuries and roster adjustments. With Caitlin Clark returning and Damiris Dantas back from FIBA AmeriCup play, White is optimistic about building consistency moving forward. “We’ve been talking all year about, you know, building consistency,” White noted, acknowledging the need for practice with the entire roster.
Mitchell led the scoring with 25 points, while Aliyah Boston added 19 points, six rebounds, and a career-high tying eight assists. Caitlin Clark, in her second game back from injury, scored 12 points and tallied nine assists, highlighting the effectiveness of the Fever’s improved ball movement and assist-heavy style.
Cunningham emphasized the potential of their offensive threats, stating, “I think that our team has enough offensive threats that we should have five to six people in double figures every single night.”
The victory allows the Fever to maintain a balanced record of 10-10 and serves as a reminder of their capabilities when playing cohesively. If they can sustain this level of play, the Fever could emerge as a formidable presence in the league, showing that their hard work and commitment to teamwork can pay off.