Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream Highlights | WNBA 2025 | Clark & Boston Lead Fever to Victory May 22
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Indiana Fever Outlast Atlanta Dream: Howard’s Heroics, Clark’s Poise Lead to Gritty Road Win
ATLANTA, GA – In a game defined by resilience, adjustments, and clutch performances, the Indiana Fever secured their first road victory of the 2025 WNBA season, defeating the Atlanta Dream 83-78 in a packed, high-energy Gateway Center Arena. While the headlines may focus on the dynamic duo of Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston, it was veteran Natasha Howard who delivered a masterclass, scoring a season-high 26 points and making the difference when it mattered most.
A Game of Runs and Grit
The contest was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Indiana, coming off a heartbreaking loss to Atlanta just two nights prior, entered the rematch with a chip on their shoulder and a clear agenda: match Atlanta’s physicality, clamp down defensively, and execute in crunch time.
For much of the game, the Fever trailed, their offense stalling under the pressure of Atlanta’s aggressive defense. Caitlin Clark, the rookie sensation, struggled to find her rhythm, missing all five of her three-point attempts and finishing with 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Boston, the All-Star center, found herself in foul trouble early, limiting her minutes and impact. Yet, neither faded from the moment, instead finding ways to contribute in the game’s most pivotal stretches.
Natasha Howard: The Steadying Force
If the Fever needed a spark, Natasha Howard was gasoline on the fire. The 6’2” forward put on a clinic, scoring 18 of her 26 points in the second half, including 13 in a decisive third quarter that helped Indiana erase a double-digit deficit. Howard was relentless in the paint, efficient from midrange, and unflappable at the free-throw line, finishing 12-of-17 from the field and adding six rebounds and two assists to her stat line.
“Natasha Howard was massive for Indiana here today, especially in the second half,” said play-by-play announcer Pat Boyand. “She’s been the most aggressive offensive player on the floor, and that’s exactly why Indiana brought her back.”
Howard’s impact extended beyond the box score. Her leadership and poise steadied the Fever during Atlanta’s surges, and her ability to draw fouls and convert under pressure was pivotal in the closing moments.
Fourth Quarter Drama: Fever Find Their Clutch
The final quarter was a microcosm of everything that makes the WNBA compelling: physical defense, strategic adjustments, and individual brilliance. With under two minutes remaining and the Fever clinging to a narrow lead, Kelsey Mitchell—who had struggled from deep all night—buried her first three-pointer, a shot that drew a collective sigh of relief from the Indiana bench.
On the ensuing possession, Clark drew a foul and headed to the line, where she split a pair of free throws, keeping the Fever up by two. Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard responded with her own trip to the stripe, but Indiana’s defense held firm, forcing contested looks and controlling the glass.
With 58 seconds left and a two-point cushion, Indiana executed a picture-perfect play out of a timeout. Clark, entrusted with the ball, used a hesitation dribble to draw the defense before feeding Boston deep in the paint for a critical layup. The Fever’s lead grew to three, and the Dream’s hopes began to fade.
Sophie Cunningham’s Debut: Hustle Personified
No less important was the debut of Sophie Cunningham, who wasted no time endearing herself to Fever fans. In the final minute, Cunningham drew a crucial offensive foul on Atlanta’s Ryan Howard, then chased down a loose rebound in the corner, securing possession and drawing a foul herself. Her subsequent free throws extended Indiana’s lead to five and effectively sealed the win.
“What a debut for Sophie Cunningham,” Boyand exclaimed. “She made massive plays in winning time—drawing the offensive foul, grabbing the rebound, and knocking down the free throws. That’s exactly what Indiana hoped she would bring.”
Cunningham’s energy and toughness were infectious, and her contributions on both ends of the floor highlighted the depth and resolve of this Fever squad.
Defensive Adjustments and Team Growth
The Fever’s defensive adjustments were evident throughout the second half. After allowing Atlanta to dictate the pace and attack the rim in the first meeting, Indiana ramped up their ball pressure, extended their defense, and forced the Dream into late-clock situations. The result: Indiana held Atlanta under 20 points in three of four quarters, a testament to their commitment to improvement.
“We talked about making adjustments, and that’s exactly what we did,” Howard said in her postgame interview. “We were more physical, limited them to one shot, and everyone stepped up. It was a true team win.”
Head coach Stephanie White praised her team’s resilience and execution, especially in the game’s final possessions. “We didn’t execute perfectly on Tuesday, but tonight we were clear, we were organized, and we trusted each other,” White said. “That’s what it takes to win close games on the road.”
Clark and Boston: Quiet Numbers, Big Impact
While Clark and Boston’s stat lines may not leap off the page, their impact was undeniable. Clark finished with 11 points, six assists, and several gritty defensive plays, while Boston added 10 points and battled through foul trouble to anchor the paint when it mattered most.
“Caitlin Clark struggled offensively, but she made smart decisions and kept her composure,” analyst Debbie Antonelli noted. “Boston was physical, took hits, and finished strong when she was on the floor. They’re both learning, both growing, and both essential to this team’s future.”
Clark’s poise, even amid shooting struggles, was especially notable. She controlled the tempo in the closing minutes, drew defenders, and set up her teammates for high-percentage looks. Boston’s ability to finish in traffic and defend without fouling in the fourth quarter preserved Indiana’s advantage.
Bench Contributions and Team Depth
Indiana’s bench stepped up when called upon. Lexie Hull grabbed a key rebound in traffic and called a timeout to preserve possession in the final minute. The Fever’s role players, including returners and newcomers alike, delivered timely stops and hustle plays that kept Atlanta at bay.
“Coach always says, ‘Be ready, you don’t have to get ready,’” Howard said. “Everyone who came in was locked in and contributed.”
The Road Ahead: Building on Momentum
With the win, Indiana moves to 2-1 on the young season, an encouraging start given last year’s early struggles. The Fever now look ahead to a Saturday matchup with the New York Liberty, eager to build on their momentum and continue their growth as a unit.
“This league is so good, so talented,” Boyand remarked in the broadcast’s closing moments. “Every night is going to be a battle, but this team is showing they can respond, make adjustments, and win tough games.”
The Fever’s ability to hold opponents under 20 points in nine of their first 12 quarters speaks to a newfound defensive identity, while their late-game execution signals maturity and confidence.
Postgame Reflections: Howard’s Leadership Shines
After the final buzzer, Howard was the center of attention, earning a well-deserved postgame interview. When asked about her third-quarter explosion and the team’s growth, Howard was candid and humble.
“We’re still learning each other, but tonight we took a big step forward,” she said. “We were physical, we executed, and we got the win. That’s what matters.”
Her performance, especially in the absence of consistent scoring from Clark and Boston, underscored the importance of veteran leadership and the value of having multiple weapons on the roster.
Fan Experience and Community Engagement
The Fever’s victory was celebrated not only on the court but also in the stands and across social media. Announcements for upcoming theme nights, including Pride Night and Lucas Oil Family Night, highlighted the Fever’s commitment to community engagement and creating memorable experiences for fans of all ages.
With tickets starting as low as $28 and special packages including food, drinks, and Fever merchandise, the organization is working hard to grow its fanbase and bring new supporters into the fold.
Final Thoughts: A Team on the Rise
Thursday night’s win in Atlanta was more than just another mark in the win column—it was a statement about the Fever’s resilience, depth, and potential. With Howard leading the charge, Clark and Boston maturing with every game, and key role players stepping up, Indiana looks poised to be a force in the WNBA’s 2025 campaign.
As the Fever prepare for a challenging stretch of games, one thing is clear: this team is learning to win together, and their best basketball may still be ahead.
