The final buzzer barely faded when the silence hit Gainbridge Fieldhouse like a freight train. Indiana Fever rookie phenom Caitlin Clark had watched her team’s gut-wrenching 91–90 defeat at the hands of the visiting Atlanta Dream.
Against the Atlanta Dream, Clark continued her exceptional form, leading the team with 27 points and 11 assists, marking her second consecutive double-double of the season. With Boston in tow, the duo tried to keep the team afloat, but Atlanta didn’t just come to play. They were here to win.
In a game defined by momentum swings and colossal individual efforts, the loss was as agonizing as it was unavoidable.
Caitlin Clark Rues Nail-Biter 91–90 To Atlanta
Indiana drew first blood, with Clark weaving through Atlanta’s defense to spark an early 7–2 run. Yet the Dream responded in kind, erupting for 31 first-quarter points behind Rhyne Howard’s sharpshooting and Brittney Griner’s inside presence, establishing a lead they would jealously guard for much of the night.
By halftime, Indiana had clawed back to trail by just six, buoyed by Clark’s 14 first‐half points and the imposing presence of rookie Aliyah Boston, whose offensive rebounds and rim protection kept the Fever within striking distance.
The third quarter belonged to Atlanta. Howard ignited the Dream with a trio of early 3-pointers to open the period, pushing the lead to double digits in under two minutes.
Griner complemented with back-to-back post moves, and Allisha Gray orchestrated the offense with six assists, steadily building a 73–65 advantage. Indiana’s defense wilted under the onslaught, surrendering 32 third-quarter points before rallying late to cut the margin to single digits headed into the fourth.
Whether it was cumulative fatigue or the stakes of a tight contest at home, the Fever finally rediscovered their rhythm in the fourth. Clark dialed up a series of deep triples—five of her game-high 27 points came from beyond the arc—while Boston dominated the glass en route with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Kelsey Mitchell joined the party, hitting timely mid-range jumpers to put Indiana ahead, 90–89, with 21.7 seconds to play.
But late-game execution proved costly. After a timeout, Atlanta inbounded to Howard, who was fouled by Mitchell at the rim. Calmly, Howard sank both free throws with 9.7 seconds left, nudging the Dream back in front.
On Indiana’s final possession, Natasha Howard saw her 12-foot pull-up blocked by Nia Coffey. The rebound tipped out of bounds, and the Fever, who shot a robust 48.5% overall but coughed up 14 turnovers, were left to lament missed opportunities.
Postgame, Clark owned her part in the defeat. “It stinks, we want to win this game…it’s great for our team, a little adversity…that’s why this league is so great,” she admitted, referencing several late turnovers that halted Indiana’s momentum.
Even though she added 27 points, dished out 11 assists, and five rebounds, the Fever fell short. Apart from her, the only players who were remarkable on the court today were Boston (24 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST) and Mitchell (24 PTS and 2 AST).
“You have a couple days and get back to it…we get a chance to go there and get back to it, get a little redemption.” Her candidness underscores both her leadership and the high standards she sets for herself.
Caitlin Clark
“It stinks, we want to win this game…it’s great for our team, a little adversity…that’s why this league is so great. You have a couple days and get back to it…we get a chance to go there and get back to it, get a little redemption.”
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) May 21, 2025
Atlanta celebrated its first win over Indiana, improving to 1–1 on the young season. Howard finished with 20 points, while Griner contributed 21 points and eight rebounds before fouling out.
Brionna Jones added 19 points and 13 boards, and Gray chipped in 16 points and six assists—all highlighting a collective effort that proved just enough to outlast Indiana.
Indiana To Face Atlanta Once Again
For the Fever, the loss serves as a crucible moment in a season where playoff aspirations hinge on learning from close defeats.
Indiana now turns its attention to a daunting road test against Atlanta once more on May 22. This time at the State Farm Arena, the home of the Dream. The upcoming game is a must-win if the Fever hopes to reset their early-season trajectory.
With the season still young, the team remains focused on building cohesion and resilience as they navigate the challenges ahead.
