INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Fever kicked off a three-game homestand with an impressive 91-84 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This win marks the Fever’s conclusion of their 2024 Commissioner’s Cup campaign with a 3-2 record. Notably, Indiana’s 91 points set a new season-high for the team in 2024.
Aliyah Boston Shines
Center Aliyah Boston delivered a standout performance, leading the Fever with a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double. This was her third double-double of the season. Boston’s 27 points tied her career-high, and her 17 points in the first half also matched her career-best for points scored in a single half during a regular-season game.
Kelsey Mitchell’s Milestone Night
Guard Kelsey Mitchell followed suit with a season-high 24 points, adding two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Mitchell’s performance included a crucial 3-point field goal at the end of the first half, propelling Indiana to its largest halftime lead of the season at 59-44. The 59 points in the first half were also the highest scoring half for the Fever this season. Additionally, Mitchell surpassed Candice Dupree to become second on the Fever’s all-time list for 2-point field goals, finishing the night with 701 made from inside the arc.
Contributions from the Bench
Forward Katie Lou Samuelson made a significant impact off the bench, shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and ending the game with 11 points, three rebounds, and one assist. Forward NaLyssa Smith contributed 10 points and five rebounds, while rookie guard Caitlin Clark added seven points, six assists, four rebounds, and two blocks.
Team Achievements
The Fever set a season-high for points scored in a single quarter by ending the first with 33 points, leading 33-24. They also outscored the Dream in paint points (42-30) and fast break points (11-2). Impressively, Indiana shot 18-of-19 from the free throw line.
Atlanta Dream Highlights
Despite the loss, the Atlanta Dream had notable performances. Guard Rhyne Howard led the Dream with a season-high 26 points, along with two rebounds, two steals, and one assist. Forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus came off the bench to score 18 points, with six rebounds and five assists. Guards Allisha Gray and Haley Jones added 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Dream also outscored the Fever in bench points, 30-17.
Up Next
The Indiana Fever will continue their homestand, facing the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday at Noon ET. Fans can catch the game broadcast live on CBS. This comprehensive win not only highlights the Fever’s offensive capabilities but also sets a positive tone as they prepare to take on the Chicago Sky.
Conclusion
The Indiana Fever’s victory over the Atlanta Dream showcases their offensive prowess and highlights several standout individual performances, particularly from Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. As the team wraps up its Commissioner’s Cup play with a 3-2 record, this game marks a significant high point in their season, setting new records and achieving personal milestones. The Fever’s ability to dominate in critical areas such as paint points, fast break points, and free throw shooting underscores their competitive edge.
Looking ahead, the Fever aim to carry this momentum into their next game against the Chicago Sky, hoping to build on their recent success and continue their winning streak. With the support of their fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the game broadcast live on CBS, the Fever are poised for another strong performance. The Fever set a season-high for points scored in a game, concluding their Commissioner’s Cup play with a 3-2 record. Up next, they face the Chicago Sky.