Indianapolis, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Indiana Fever achieved their first playoff win since 2015, defeating the Atlanta Dream 77-60 in Game 2 of the series. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 19 points. The team built momentum with a strong second quarter and maintained control despite a brief comeback from the Dream. A pivotal Game 3 is scheduled in Atlanta, and the Fever are looking to advance to the semifinals.
Indianapolis
The Indiana Fever secured their first playoff victory since 2015 with a decisive 77-60 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game 2 of their first-round series on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This victory forced a pivotal Game 3, set to take place on Thursday night in Atlanta.
The Fever never trailed during the game, showcasing strong performance, particularly in the second quarter. A crucial 10-2 run gave them a 30-19 lead, which laid the foundation for the victory. Although the Dream tightened the score to just three points early in the third quarter, the Fever regained control with a strong response, closing the quarter with a 7-0 run capped off by a three-pointer from Lexie Hull at the buzzer.
Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever’s scoring with 19 points and four assists, shooting an impressive 4-for-8 from beyond the arc. Other key contributors included Aliyah Boston with 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists, and Natasha Howard who added 12 points and five rebounds. The Fever’s bench also made a notable impact, contributing a total of 15 points.
For the Dream, Te-Hina Paopao was the leading scorer off the bench with 11 points, while All-Star Rhyne Howard scored 10 points in the loss. Allisha Gray struggled in her shooting, finishing with nine points and seven rebounds while going 4-for-16 from the field. The Dream’s overall shooting performance was challenging, as they shot only 37.9 percent from the field and a mere 5-for-19 from the three-point line.
This win marked a significant resurgence for the Fever, who had fallen short in Game 1 with a score of 80-68, despite Mitchell’s standout 27-point performance. The Fever faced an uphill battle with several players sidelined due to injuries, including Caitlin Clark and Damiris Dantas, impacting their roster depth.
The Fever fans contributed to the electric atmosphere, where many wore red “Now You Know” t-shirts in support of the team’s effort. However, there was an incident toward the game’s conclusion when security had to escort two fans from the arena due to disruptive behavior.
As the Fever look forward to Game 3, they aim to maintain the momentum, hoping to secure a spot in the semifinals against either the Las Vegas Aces or the Seattle Storm. The decisive game will be broadcast at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2.
Game Summary
- Final Score: Indiana Fever 77, Atlanta Dream 60
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Next Game: Game 3, Thursday night in Atlanta
- Leading Scorer Fever: Kelsey Mitchell (19 points)
- Leading Scorer Dream: Te-Hina Paopao (11 points)
- Fever’s Regular Season Backup: 19.2 points per game
Team Performances
The Fever displayed a robust team effort, particularly shining in the third quarter while managing to outscore their opponents. In contrast, the Dream struggled considerably, resulting in their second-lowest scoring total of the season.
Scenario Overview
The Fever, after experiencing difficulties in the previous game against the Dream—who boasted the best regular-season record in franchise history—managed to turn the tides. Their balanced offensive attack and solid defensive play were integral to their win and prepared them for the upcoming challenge in Game 3.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream Game 2?
The Indiana Fever won the game with a final score of 77-60 against the Atlanta Dream.
When is Game 3 of the playoff series?
Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday night in Atlanta.
Who were the leading scorers in Game 2?
Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 19 points, and Te-Hina Paopao was the leading scorer for the Dream with 11 points.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Points Scored | Leading Scorer | Shooting Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Fever | 77 | Kelsey Mitchell (19) | 43.5% |
| Atlanta Dream | 60 | Te-Hina Paopao (11) | 37.9% |
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Fever vs Dream Game 2 Highlights
- WNBA Fever: Game Preview Fever vs Dream
- ESPN: Game Recap
- Indy Star: Playoffs Game 1 Recap
- USA Today: Fever Playoffs Overview
- Wikipedia: Women’s National Basketball Association
- Google Search: WNBA Playoffs 2025
- Google Scholar: WNBA 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s National Basketball Association
- Google News: WNBA Playoffs 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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