Indianapolis, September 17 (Patrika English News): The Indiana Fever kept their playoff hopes alive on Tuesday night with a commanding 77-60 win over the Atlanta Dream, tying the best-of-three series at 1-1. The result sets up a decisive Game 3 in Atlanta on Thursday, with both teams looking to end long postseason droughts.
Fever Shine at Home
Kelsey Mitchell led the way for Indiana with 19 points and four 3-pointers, while Aliyah Boston added 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Natasha Howard contributed 12 points and five rebounds, and rookie Te-Hina Paopao chipped in 11 points off the bench.
The Fever fed off a packed home crowd — their first playoff game since 2016 — to secure their first postseason win since 2015. It was also their first wire-to-wire playoff victory since 2002.
Dream Struggle to Find Rhythm
Atlanta, the No. 3 seed, struggled offensively and finished 25 points below their regular-season scoring average. Rhyne Howard scored 10 points, while Allisha Gray managed nine points and seven rebounds despite foul trouble. Gray was also briefly involved in a courtside clash with two fans, who were later escorted out.
Te-Hina Paopao’s 11 points were a bright spot off the bench, but the Dream’s shooting woes and defensive lapses proved costly.
Turning Point
Indiana controlled the pace throughout, using a 10-2 run in the first half to build momentum and later responding to Atlanta’s rallies with decisive scoring bursts. A dominant 7-0 close to the third quarter and an 8-0 run to open the fourth pushed the Fever’s lead to 67-44, sealing the outcome early and allowing Mitchell and Boston to rest in the final minutes.
What’s Next
Game 3 will be played in Atlanta on Thursday, where the Dream will aim to win their first playoff series since 2016. For the Fever, a win would mark their first series victory since 2015.