ATLANTA – The Indiana Fever women’s basketball team endured a lopsided 58-77 defeat against the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night, dropping their Commissioner’s Cup record to 2-1.
The game started competitively, with both teams tied after the first half. However, a dominant third quarter by the Dream proved to be the turning point, allowing the home team to pull ahead convincingly in the second half.
Key Highlights of the Game
Pivotal Third Quarter
The game’s outcome was decided in the third quarter, where the Atlanta Dream showcased overwhelming dominance over the Indiana Fever. After a 33-33 tie at halftime, the Fever entered the third quarter with noticeably lackluster performance.
In the first seven minutes of the third quarter, Indiana scored a mere 4 points, an unusually low figure for a professional team. Compounding their struggles, the Fever committed multiple errant passes, handing the Dream opportunities for fast-break points and easy baskets under the rim.
The Dream capitalized fully on these mistakes, turning Fever’s errors into highlight-reel scoring plays. Brionna Jones dominated the paint with 8 points in the third quarter, while Allisha Gray, a strong contender for the Most Improved Player award, also contributed 8 crucial points in the period.
As a result, a closely contested game turned into a nightmare for the Fever, who were outscored 9-23 in the third quarter, creating a 14-point deficit they couldn’t overcome in the remaining time.
Standout Performers for Indiana Fever
Despite the loss, the Indiana Fever had some notable performances. Forward Natasha Howard delivered an impressive showing with 15 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating her versatility on both ends of the court. Kelsey Mitchell also added 11 crucial points for the team.
However, the brightest spark came from Aari McDonald, playing on a temporary contract. McDonald made an impactful debut, scoring 9 points in just 8 minutes during the first half, leading the Fever in scoring at halftime.
Standing at a modest 5’6”, McDonald proved that size isn’t everything in basketball. She became a defensive challenge for opponents and brought much-needed energy off the bench, especially critical for a Fever team missing key players like Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.
Tensions with Officials
The game also saw moments of tension between the Indiana Fever and the officiating crew. Kelsey Mitchell received a technical foul with about 30 seconds left in the third quarter after expressing frustration with a referee’s call.
Head coach Stephanie White also picked up the team’s second technical foul with roughly three minutes remaining in the game. The incident followed a heated rebounding battle under the basket involving the Dream’s Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
While these technical fouls resulted in 2 additional points for Atlanta, the Dream’s double-digit lead meant these points had little impact on the final outcome.
Player Spotlight
Aari McDonald’s Inspiring Story
The most compelling narrative of the game was that of Aari McDonald, who is currently on a hardship contract signed on June 1. She delivered a standout performance with 12 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound in 23 minutes of play.
McDonald played most of the fourth quarter in place of Sydney Colson, the team’s primary point guard, signaling the coaching staff’s search for stronger defensive options.
However, McDonald’s time with Indiana is running short. Under WNBA hardship contract rules, her contract will automatically terminate once Clark or Cunningham returns (expected this week) and the Fever roster reaches 10 active players.
Looking Ahead
With a current record of 4-5, the Indiana Fever are navigating a challenging period. However, they will have a few days to regroup before their next game against the New York Liberty on Saturday afternoon at their home court, Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The anticipated return of Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham is positive news for the Fever, as both players are expected to bring much-needed stability and experience. Clark, in particular, is hoped to address the team’s recent struggles with offensive organization.
While the loss to the Atlanta Dream was disappointing, it serves as a valuable lesson for the Indiana Fever about the importance of maintaining focus throughout all 40 minutes of play. They must learn to handle pressure from physically aggressive opponents and avoid lapses in concentration that can determine the outcome of a game.