Fever Fall in Quest to Reach 3-Game Winning Streak in Atlanta
By Deon Cash
The Indiana Fever had started finding a rhythm, after back to back wins which had put them back at .500 early in the season (4-4).
With the addition of PG Aari Mcdonald, the Fever has found a kick starter who had help calm the loss of superstar G Caitlin Clark, who is nursing a leg injury and is week to week at this point.
But despite the positive momentum coming into the game, the Atlanta Dream ended the hopes of the Fever running a 3-game win streak with a easy 77-58 win.
The 3rd quarter was frightening for the Fever, as the amassed only 9 points in falling behind mid-way through the 3rd and not being able to mount a comeback in the 4th.
After the Fever led early in the 3rd on a Howard layup (37-36), the Dream would unleash a 20-5 run that would completely turn the game on its head and send the Fever packing.
Atlanta was led by F Brionna Jones, who dropped 21 while a early frontrunner for All -WNBA selection (Allisha Gray) dropped a game high 23 in the win.
Gray is averaging over 20ppg this season and has been the unquestioned breakout hooper in the W this season along with the Dream as a unit.
The Fever were led by Natasha Howard who had a double double (15pts,10reb) and Mcdonald with 14. Kelsey Mitchell, who was the WNBA Player of the Week recently, added 11 on the night.
THE GOOD
Mcdonald continues to show why the Fever could be a contender late in the season...she has been a great addition...Howard had a very nice offensive game (6-9 FG) & seems to have found her flow and footing...The defense held All-Star Rhyne Howard to 3 points, particularly Lexie Hull, who has been on lockdown mode all season...Look for Sophie Cunningham and Clark to be back in the coming weeks.
THE BAD
The offense hasn't been clicking since Clark left, and it was evident in this game...The Fever lost both quarters in the second half after being tied at the half...The Fever shot 36% from the field and 21% from 3-point range, and its hard to win on the road with those numbers...a slow 2nd half start could mean the team is missing the "Coach White" energy from the huddle.
THE UGLY
Scoring 9 points in the third quarter is not what you need against a rising team like Atlanta...The Dream pounded the Fever on the boards (44-26) and in paint points (46-28)...The Fever scored one basket in almost 7 minutes of the 3rd quarter...The Fever scored just 2 points on the fast break in the entire game.
UP NEXT: LIBERTY 🗽 (Commissioner Cup) Saturday June 14th
The New York Liberty, the WNBA Champs, come to town and will be expecting to see Caitlin Clark back into the lineup.
Clark hasn't played since she faced the Liberty a couple of weeks ago.
The game will be on prime time at 3pm.
The Fever have played the Liberty well this season, so expect a high intensity, max effort battle all game long with a frenetic crowd to match.
Would like to give prayers to Coach White and hope her family situation turns out positive.
Follow Dayton 24-7 Now, S.E.Live365, and the Indiana Fever on their journey throughout the 2025 WNBA Season.
