The Atlanta Dream took a commanding 1-0 lead in their best-of-three WNBA first-round playoff series against the Indiana Fever, winning 80-68 in a game that highlighted both Atlanta’s depth and Indiana’s injury woes. Played in College Park, Georgia, the Dream’s victory was powered by 20-point performances from Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, while Naz Hillmon—fresh off being named AP Sixth Person of the Year—added 16 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
How the Game Unfolded
Indiana started strong, riding a 9-0 run capped by a Kelsey Mitchell fast-break three to take a 15-6 lead late in the first quarter. But Atlanta responded with a 22-point second quarter, flipping the script and taking a 40-33 halftime lead. The Fever never fully recovered, despite Mitchell’s game-high 27 points. Every time Indiana threatened to close the gap—like when Mitchell’s free throw cut the deficit to 10 with 3:32 left—Hillmon answered with a clutch three-point play to keep Atlanta comfortably ahead.
Atlanta’s defense clamped down in the second half, and the Fever’s offense sputtered without several key players. Indiana was missing star rookie Caitlin Clark, sidelined since July with a groin injury, as well as Sophie Cunningham (knee), Aari McDonald (foot), and Sydney Colson (knee). The absences were glaring, especially on the offensive end, where Atlanta’s balanced attack proved too much to handle.
Standout Performances and Key Stats
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Notable Detail |
|-------------------|---------|--------|----------|---------|-------------------------------|
| Allisha Gray | ATL | 20 | — | — | Tied for team-high scorer |
| Rhyne Howard | ATL | 20 | — | — | Tied for team-high scorer |
| Naz Hillmon | ATL | 16 | 9 | — | 14 in second half, clutch plays|
| Kelsey Mitchell | IND | 27 | — | — | Game-high scorer |
| Aliyah Boston | IND | 8 | 12 | 5 | Double-digit rebounds |
Atlanta’s bench outscored Indiana’s 26-8, a testament to their depth and Hillmon’s impact. The Dream also set a franchise record with 30 wins this season under first-year coach Karl Smesko, more than doubling last year’s total and finishing with their highest win percentage ever (.682).
What’s Next for Both Teams
Game 2 shifts to Indianapolis, where the Fever face elimination. Indiana will need a much-improved performance—and possibly some luck with health—to extend the series. Atlanta, meanwhile, can advance to the semifinals with a win on the road, continuing a remarkable turnaround season.
Expert Insight
The Dream’s ability to weather early storms and capitalize on Indiana’s depleted roster was the difference. “Atlanta’s depth and composure under pressure were on full display,” noted one analyst. “Without Clark and other key players, the Fever just didn’t have enough firepower to keep up in the second half.”
For Indiana, the story remains one of what might have been. With a healthy roster, this could have been a much tighter series. Instead, the Fever are left hoping for a miracle in Game 2.
The Big Picture
This game wasn’t just about one team’s triumph—it was a showcase of how injuries can reshape playoff narratives. Atlanta’s rise under Smesko is one of the season’s best stories, while Indiana’s injury woes serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of depth and health in the WNBA playoffs.
Fans should tune in for Game 2, where the Fever will fight to keep their season alive, and the Dream will look to close out a statement series win.
Sources
1. Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream Live Score and Stats - CBS Sports
2. Where is the 2025 St. Jude Championship Golf Tournament Played?
3. Dream 80-68 Fever (Sep 14, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN
4. Covers.com - Sports Betting Odds, Lines, Picks & News 2025
5. Who will win the Fever vs Dream first round WNBA playoff series; expert prediction
6. CBS Sports - News, Live Scores, Schedules, Fantasy Games, Video ...
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9. Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
