The Indiana Fever delivered a thrilling upset against the Atlanta Dream, defeating them 87-85 in a nail-biting Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs. With this victory, the Fever secured a spot in the semifinals, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
Dramatic Finish
The game unfolded in an intense atmosphere at the Gateway Center Arena, where both teams fought fiercely for advancement. The Fever, who entered the playoffs as the sixth seed, faced off against the third-seeded Dream in a best-of-three series. With the stakes high, every possession mattered. Aliyah Boston, despite being among the team’s injured players, made a crucial go-ahead basket with just 7.4 seconds remaining on the clock.
The Dream had led for much of the second half but lost steam down the stretch. Lexie Hull's critical steal of the inbounds pass sealed the game for the Fever, who executed a 7-0 run at the end that showcased their resilience and determination.
Key Players Shine
Kelsey Mitchell emerged as a standout performer for the Fever, contributing significantly to their offensive play throughout the series. Her ability to score from various positions on the floor kept the Dream's defense on their toes. Meanwhile, the Fever's coach Stephanie White praised the team’s tenacity, highlighting their capacity to overcome adversity despite injuries to key players, including Caitlin Clark.
For the Dream, this loss marks a disappointing end to a season that had promised so much. They finished with one of the best records in the league and entered the playoffs with high hopes. The defeat not only halts their championship aspirations but also extends their playoff drought, as they haven't advanced past the first round since 2016.
Looking Ahead
The Fever will look to build on this momentum as they move forward to the semifinals, while the Dream will regroup and reassess their strategy for next season. The playoffs have illustrated the unpredictability of the WNBA, where any team can emerge victorious on a given night.
TL;DR
- Indiana Fever upsets Atlanta Dream 87-85 in WNBA playoff Game 3.
- Aliyah Boston’s late basket and Lexie Hull’s steal sealed the victory.
- Kelsey Mitchell was a standout performer for the Fever throughout the series.
- The Dream's playoff run ends, marking a continued drought in advancing past the first round.