In a thrilling playoff showdown, the Indiana Fever stunned the Atlanta Dream, securing a hard-fought 87-85 victory and advancing to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2015. The sixth-seeded Fever showcased remarkable resilience, erasing a late deficit in the series-deciding Game 3 to claim a memorable win in College Park, Georgia.
Aliyah Boston's clutch layup with 7.4 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winning score, capping off a dramatic final sequence. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever's offensive charge with 24 points, while Odyssey Sims contributed 16 points and Boston added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Natasha Howard and Lexie Hull also reached double figures in scoring, contributing 12 and 10 points respectively, demonstrating the team's balanced attack. The Fever will now face the formidable Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
The Atlanta Dream, seeded third, fought valiantly, led by Allisha Gray's 19 points. Jordin Canada's all-around performance, featuring 18 points and 10 assists, kept the Dream in contention throughout. Rhyne Howard added 16 points, and Brionna Jones contributed 12, but ultimately, the Fever's late-game execution proved decisive. The Dream held an eight-point lead late in the third quarter, but the Fever's tenacious defense and clutch scoring in the final minutes secured their stunning victory.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with momentum shifting throughout. The Fever's strong start, fueled by Mitchell's 11 first-quarter points, gave them an early advantage. However, the Dream responded with a strong run in the second quarter, taking a seven-point lead into halftime. The Fever battled back in the second half, outscoring the Dream in the third quarter, before ultimately securing the win in a nail-biting finish. The comeback was testament to their determination and team spirit, marking a significant milestone in the Fever's season.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/19/fever-dream-wnba-playoffs-aliyah-boston
