Introduction
On July 11, 2025, Dream vs Fever , the Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream with a dominant 99–82 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This victory not only evened the season series at 2–2, but also served as a statement game for the Fever—proving that they’re not just here to compete, but to contend.
The matchup was full of surprises. What began as a close contest turned into a second-half showcase by Indiana, who outscored Atlanta by 17 points after halftime. The Dream vs Fever rivalry continues to grow into one of the most competitive matchups of the WNBA season, and this game was no exception.
First Half: Dream in Control
The game started strong for the Atlanta Dream. With excellent ball movement and aggressive three-point shooting, they closed the first half leading 45–40. Jordin Canada was the standout early, hitting six three-pointers and racking up 26 points before halftime. Her sharp shooting helped Atlanta build confidence and momentum.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever struggled to find rhythm. Their offense lacked flow, and their defense failed to close out on shooters. But what looked like another Dream win quickly shifted after the break.
Second Half: Fever Take Over
Indiana came out of halftime with energy and intensity. Behind the leadership of Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, the Fever turned the tide. Mitchell scored a team-high 25 points, using her speed and shot selection to break through Atlanta’s defense. Boston added 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists—putting on a well-rounded performance that showed just how vital she is to Indiana’s success.
The real shift happened late in the third quarter. With the Dream leading 63–60, Indiana held Atlanta scoreless for the final three minutes of the quarter. That defensive lock-in sparked a massive run that carried over into the fourth quarter, where the Fever opened up with an 11–2 stretch to take full control of the game.
Key Performers in the Dream vs Fever Clash
Kelsey Mitchell was electric, knocking down jumpers and driving to the basket with confidence. Her 25-point performance was one of her best of the season.
Aliyah Boston’s versatility stood out. She played a key role on both ends of the floor and kept the offense flowing with her passing.
Caitlin Clark returned to action and added 12 points along with 9 assists. Though it wasn’t her flashiest performance, her playmaking made a big difference down the stretch.
On the Dream’s side, Jordin Canada led all scorers with 30 points. She was nearly unstoppable in the first half but cooled down significantly in the second, where Indiana’s defense adjusted to take away her clean looks. Rhyne Howard added 14 points, including four three-pointers, but couldn’t help the Dream recover after the Fever took over the game.
Numbers That Tell the Story
- Final Score: Indiana Fever 99, Atlanta Dream 82
- Halftime Score: Atlanta Dream 45, Indiana Fever 40
- Second Half Scoring: Indiana 59, Atlanta 37
- Jordin Canada: 30 points, 6 three-pointers
- Kelsey Mitchell: 25 points
- Aliyah Boston: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists
- Caitlin Clark: 12 points, 9 assists
- Rhyne Howard: 14 points
Statistically, Indiana shot more efficiently, moved the ball better, and got more stops when it mattered. Their bench also contributed valuable minutes, especially from Sophie Cunningham, who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
What This Game Means for Indiana
This Dream vs Fever matchup showed that Indiana is coming together at the right time. Their record now stands at 10–10, a solid .500 mark that reflects their growth throughout the season. More importantly, this game showed they can respond to pressure and deliver when the momentum shifts.
The return of Caitlin Clark adds another layer of playmaking to the Fever’s offense. Her ability to spread the floor and create space gave Indiana better looks in transition and half-court sets.
If the Fever can build on this win and stay consistent, they have a clear path to a playoff run. The pieces are falling into place, and their performance against a strong Atlanta team proved they belong in the conversation.
What This Loss Means for Atlanta
For the Atlanta Dream, this game was a lesson in adjustments. Despite dominating the first half, their offense collapsed under Indiana’s defensive pressure. Canada’s early explosion gave them a cushion, but the lack of scoring options outside of her exposed some vulnerabilities.
The Dream now fall to 12–8. While still in a strong position overall, this loss is a reminder that no lead is safe in the WNBA. If they want to remain a top-tier team, they’ll need more consistency and production from their bench.
They also need to find ways to maintain intensity throughout all four quarters. The talent is there—players like Howard, Canada, and Griner have the ability to take over games—but cohesion and execution must improve.
The Dream vs Fever Rivalry Grows
With this win, the season series between Dream vs Fever is tied 2–2. Both teams have traded wins in what’s becoming a thrilling rivalry. These matchups bring out the best in both rosters and highlight the rising competitiveness in the WNBA.
Fans have embraced this rivalry, especially with young stars like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston on one side, and veterans like Canada and Howard on the other. The pace, skill, and intensity in these games make them must-watch moments in the league.
What’s Next?
The Indiana Fever will look to keep their momentum going as they approach the second half of the season. If they stay healthy and locked in defensively, they could surprise a lot of teams come playoff time.
For Atlanta, the next game will be about recovery and response. Expect them to come out with urgency and focus, especially as they try to stay near the top of the standings.
Final Thoughts
The Dream vs Fever game on July 11 was more than just a regular-season matchup. It was a turning point for Indiana and a wake-up call for Atlanta. The Fever showed poise, balance, and growth—while the Dream were reminded of the importance of four-quarter execution.
With the season heating up, every win matters. And if this game is any indication, both the Dream and the Fever are far from finished. They’re just getting started.
| Teams | Score H +1 | Score H +2 | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Fever | 40 (halftime) | 59 (second half) | 99 |
| Atlanta Dream | 45 | 37 | 82 |
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