The Indiana Fever secured a much-needed victory against the Atlanta Dream, winning 99-82 on March 15, 2024. This win comes on the heels of a disappointing 19-point defeat to the Golden State Valkyries, which guard Kelsey Mitchell described as a “butt-whooping.” With this victory, the Fever improved their season record to 10-10, just ahead of the All-Star break.
The Fever demonstrated their offensive capabilities, particularly with the return of Caitlin Clark. Despite scoring only 12 points on 5-for-17 shooting, Clark’s contribution in directing the offense was instrumental. She tallied 9 assists, helping the team achieve a total of 27 assists on 35 made shots. “I thought I was just a really good floor general tonight,” Clark stated, highlighting her focus on managing the game rather than just scoring.
Indiana’s second-half performance was particularly noteworthy, scoring 59 points which is the highest for any half this season. This offensive explosion tied for the most points scored in a half over the past seven seasons. The Fever’s 11 three-pointers tied for their second-most in a game this year, illustrating their offensive depth. Sophie Cunningham contributed significantly with a double-double, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds. “When the ball is popping, we’re a really hard team to guard,” she remarked.
The Fever’s coach, Stephanie White, praised Clark’s ability to manage the game while acknowledging her shooting struggles. Clark has faced challenges recently, with her three-point shooting percentage at a historic low over the last five games. “We just have to help navigate her own frustration,” White said, emphasizing the need for patience as Clark recovers from her injury.
While the Fever found their rhythm, the Atlanta Dream started strong, led by veteran guard Jordin Canada, who scored a career-high 26 points in the first half. The Dream held a lead of seven points in the third quarter before Indiana surged ahead, outscoring Atlanta 39-19 in that period. Canada reflected on the team’s performance, noting missed opportunities and miscommunication that allowed Indiana to capitalize.
The Fever’s defense was a turning point, particularly in the second half where they limited Canada to just four points. Mitchell led the scoring for Indiana with 25 points, underscoring the importance of a strong defensive effort to complement their offense. “I think when the ball pings and we get to two and three sides, you get to see more of who we are,” she explained.
As the Fever prepare for their next game against the Dallas Wings, they focus on building consistency. “This is our second game with our whole roster,” White noted, indicating the importance of integrating players back into the rotation effectively. With three games remaining before the All-Star break, the Fever aim to continue their momentum and refine their strategies on both ends of the court.
