Atlanta, GA — Natasha Howard stepped up with a team-high 26 points to help the Indiana Fever secure an 81-76 win over the Atlanta Dream on Thursday night, salvaging a split in their two-game series this week.
The rematch came just two days after Atlanta edged Indiana 91-90 in Indianapolis. This time, the Fever responded in front of a sold-out crowd at State Farm Arena, with over 16,800 fans in attendance—more than quadrupling the capacity of the Dream’s usual home, the Gateway Center.
It was a rare off night for rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who went 0-for-5 from three-point range, snapping a remarkable 140-game streak that dated back to her sophomore year at Iowa. The last time Clark failed to make a three was January 13, 2022, against Purdue.
Clark still contributed with 11 points and six assists, though foul trouble limited her minutes. She and fellow star Aliyah Boston each picked up their fourth fouls early in the third quarter. Boston finished with just two made field goals, but her late layup—assisted by Clark—helped seal the win for Indiana.
Kelsey Mitchell hit a clutch three-pointer to give the Fever a 76-75 lead in the final minutes. Moments later, Clark found Boston cutting to the hoop to extend the margin, and Indiana held on from there.
Atlanta was led by Rhyne Howard’s 24 points in the loss.
Before the game, Clark shared that she’s been keeping up with the Indiana Pacers’ postseason run and even recorded her live reaction to Tyrese Haliburton’s dramatic overtime-forcing jumper in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Thursday also marked the season debut for Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham, who had been sidelined with a right ankle sprain. She scored nine points off the bench and was cleared to play without minute restrictions, according to Fever head coach Stephanie White.
The Dream provided a positive injury update as well, announcing that guard Jordin Canada, who is nursing a right knee issue, is expected to resume basketball activity in the coming weeks.
