Friday night at State Farm Arena was nothing short of spectacular for the Indiana Fever. They didn’t just defeat the Atlanta Dream; they crafted a 91-79 masterpiece, extending their winning streak to four games.
Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom, showcased exactly why she was the No. 1 draft pick. Her performance was a basketball clinic, amassing 16 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. This comes on the heels of her 18-point, 12-rebound display on Wednesday and a 23-point game the previous Sunday. Clark, still in her debut season, is already leaving an indelible mark on the league.
However, it wasn’t merely a solo act. Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith took center stage with 18 and 21 points, respectively, underscoring that Indiana’s resurgence is truly a collective effort. Starting the season at a dismal 3-10, the Fever have clawed their way to a 7-10 record, currently holding the No. 8 seed, a mere half-game ahead of the Chicago Sky.
The game was set against a historic backdrop, attracting a record 17,575 fans to State Farm Arena, surpassing the franchise’s previous high set in 2008. The crowd came to witness Clark’s brilliance and left thoroughly satisfied.
Fever Surge Early, Dominate with Third-Quarter Run
The Fever launched into the game with intensity, racking up a season-high 35 points in the first quarter alone, boasting a scorching 70% shooting rate. Clark’s fourth 3-pointer—Indiana’s 10th of the night—came during a pivotal 11-3 run in the third quarter, pushing their lead to a comfortable 79-62. From there, they sailed to victory, much to the delight of their fans.
Aliyah Boston contributed a robust double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, alongside three blocks, while Katie Lou Samuelson added 10 points off the bench, completing a well-rounded team effort.
On the opposing side, Tina Charles fought valiantly to keep Atlanta competitive, scoring a season-high 24 points, marking her 37th career 20-point game. Allisha Gray and Haley Jones chipped in 19 and 12 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to counter Indiana’s dominance.
The Fever’s upcoming schedule promises to be a challenging one, with games against the Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury, and the formidable Las Vegas Aces. This stretch will test their newfound resilience and determine if their playoff aspirations can become a reality.
For now, the Fever are basking in their success. A team that began the season in obscurity has now stepped into the spotlight, with Caitlin Clark leading the charge, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.