The Indiana Fever delivered a statement performance on Tuesday night, dismantling the Atlanta Dream 77-60 in Game 2 of their WNBA playoff series to force a decisive Game 3 showdown. In front of a raucous sellout crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Fever turned what looked like a potential series sweep into a must-win battle that will head back to Atlanta on Thursday.
Mitchell and Boston Lead Playoff Resurgence
Kelsey Mitchell emerged as the hero for Indiana, dropping 19 points while connecting on four crucial three-pointers that kept the Dream at bay throughout the contest. The veteran guard's performance was complemented perfectly by
Aliyah Boston, who contributed 15 points and five rebounds in what became the Fever's first playoff victory since October 11, 2015.
The duo's chemistry proved unstoppable during critical moments, particularly in the fourth quarter when Indiana pulled away for good. Mitchell also dished out four assists while Boston added three of her own, showcasing the balanced attack that had been missing in Game 1.
Historic Night for Fever Faithful
Tuesday's victory marked several significant milestones for the franchise. The Fever hosted their first playoff game since 2016, and the energy from another capacity crowd proved instrumental in the team's wire-to-wire victory - their first such playoff win since 2002.
Natasha Howard provided crucial support with 12 points and five rebounds, giving Indiana the depth they needed to maintain their intensity throughout all four quarters.
Dream's Offensive Struggles Continue
The third-seeded Atlanta Dream found themselves in unfamiliar territory, falling 25 points short of their regular-season scoring average in a performance that raised questions about their playoff readiness.
Te-Hina Paopao led the Dream's bench with 11 points, while
Rhyne Howard managed just 10 points in the loss.
Allisha Gray battled through foul trouble to contribute nine points and seven rebounds, but her night was marred by a brief altercation with fans in the front row during the fourth quarter. Security escorted both fans from the arena, highlighting the intense atmosphere that favored the home team.
Momentum Shifts and Key Runs
The game's turning point came in the third quarter when Atlanta managed to cut Indiana's lead to just 40-37, creating genuine concern for Fever fans who remembered their Game 1 collapse. However, the Mitchell-Boston tandem responded immediately with a seven-point run that effectively ended any Dream comeback hopes.
Indiana's dominance became complete when they closed the third quarter on a 7-0 run and opened the fourth with an 8-0 spurt, extending their lead to a commanding 67-44. The blowout margin allowed head coach
Stephanie White to rest her key players down the stretch, keeping them fresh for the crucial Game 3.
Series Implications and Historical Context
Both franchises entered this series carrying significant playoff droughts. Atlanta hasn't won a playoff series since 2016, while Indiana's last series victory came in 2015. The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams seek to break their respective championship curses.
The series has been marked by contrasting styles, with Atlanta's experience as the higher seed clashing against Indiana's youthful energy and home-court advantage. Game 1 belonged to the Dream, but Tuesday's dominant performance showed the Fever's potential when everything clicks.
Looking Ahead to Game 3
Thursday's decisive Game 3 in Atlanta will determine which team advances to face the winner of the Las Vegas Aces-Seattle Storm series. The Dream will have the advantage of returning home, where they've been strong throughout the regular season, but they'll need to find answers for Indiana's balanced scoring attack.
For the Fever, the challenge will be maintaining their offensive rhythm on the road while dealing with a hostile environment. Mitchell's three-point shooting and Boston's interior presence will be crucial factors in determining whether Indiana can complete their playoff upset.
The winner will advance knowing they've overcome significant adversity, while the loser will face another long offseason of questions about their championship window.
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Sources
1. Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever Live Score and Stats - CBS Sports
2. Blackhawks Spending Efficiency Doesn't Grade Well (But Context is ...
3. Kelsey Mitchell Drops 19 PTS to Lead Fever to Playoff Win Over ...
4. Joint vs. Kenin Prediction at the Hana Bank Korea Open
5. Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
6. Covers.com - Sports Betting Odds, Lines, Picks & News 2025
7. 2025 Playoffs Central - Indiana Fever
8. CBS Sports - News, Live Scores, Schedules, Fantasy Games, Video ...
9. Terms & Conditions - Expert Sports Picks, Predictions, and Analysis
