Atlanta Dream take Game 1 over Indiana Fever, aims for semifinals
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 16, 2025, 04:14 IST
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Indiana Fever 80-68 in Game 1 of the best-of-three playoff series, led by Alisha Gray and Rhyne Howard with 20 points each. Naz Hillmon added 16 points and nine rebounds. Despite missing key players, the Fever fought hard, with Kelsey Mitchel scoring 27 points. Game 2 is Tuesday in Indianapolis, where the Dream will look to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2014.
On Sunday night, the Atlanta Dream clinched an 80-68 win over the Indiana Fever in Game 1 of the best-of-three round playoff series. Alisha Gray and Rhyne Howard put up 20 points apiece to seal the win over the Indiana Fever.
The AP sixth person of the year, Naz Hillmon, registered 16 points, nine rebounds and three blocks that helped the Dream take control after a competitive first half.
The Indiana Fever went into the playoffs with multiple key players ruled out due to injury. The star guard, Caitlin Clark, was ruled out of the season with a right groin injury. Clark had created huge expectations with her incredible rookie season, but missed out on games due to a recurring quadriceps injury. Along with her, several other players, including Chloe Bibby, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald, and Damiris Dantas, have also been ruled out due to injuries. Due to several players being sidelined, the Fever had to rely on younger and less experienced players.
However, the fever came out aggressively against the dream despite their limited lineup. The Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchel led the team with 27 points. Odyssey Sims added 10 points while Aliyah Boston scored 8 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
In the fourth quarter, Mitchel hit a free throw that cut Indiana's gap to 10 points with three minutes remaining on the clock, but Hillmon made a clutch three-pointer that increased their lead back and sealed the win over the Indiana Fever.
The Atlanta Dream, under their first-year head coach Karl Smesko, doubled their win total from last season and set a new franchise record with 30 wins. The dream also finished with their highest win percentage(.682) in franchise history.
Game 2 of the best-of-three round playoff is set to take place on Tuesday in Indianapolis, where the Dream will look to secure a win and advance to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2014.
The AP sixth person of the year, Naz Hillmon, registered 16 points, nine rebounds and three blocks that helped the Dream take control after a competitive first half.
The Indiana Fever went into the playoffs with multiple key players ruled out due to injury. The star guard, Caitlin Clark, was ruled out of the season with a right groin injury. Clark had created huge expectations with her incredible rookie season, but missed out on games due to a recurring quadriceps injury. Along with her, several other players, including Chloe Bibby, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald, and Damiris Dantas, have also been ruled out due to injuries. Due to several players being sidelined, the Fever had to rely on younger and less experienced players.
However, the fever came out aggressively against the dream despite their limited lineup. The Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchel led the team with 27 points. Odyssey Sims added 10 points while Aliyah Boston scored 8 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
In the fourth quarter, Mitchel hit a free throw that cut Indiana's gap to 10 points with three minutes remaining on the clock, but Hillmon made a clutch three-pointer that increased their lead back and sealed the win over the Indiana Fever.
The Atlanta Dream, under their first-year head coach Karl Smesko, doubled their win total from last season and set a new franchise record with 30 wins. The dream also finished with their highest win percentage(.682) in franchise history.
Game 2 of the best-of-three round playoff is set to take place on Tuesday in Indianapolis, where the Dream will look to secure a win and advance to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2014.