The Indiana Fever won on Thursday evening against the Atlanta Dream, with a final score of 81-76, and was spurred on by a 26-point performance from Natasha Howard and 17 points from Kelsey Mitchell.
After a slow offensive start for Indiana, the Fever trailed 13-18 by the end of the first quarter, but strong defensive play from Damiris Dantas kept the Fever within striking distance. Then, the Fever took their first lead of the night early in the second quarter, with a three-pointer from Dantas tying the score, while a deep field goal from Mitchell put Indiana out in front. Mitchell’s nine-point second quarter helped Indiana take the 37-34 lead into halftime.
Howard took over during the third quarter, scoring 13 points, including seven in the opening minutes, while also contributing defensively with several rebounds. A layup from Aliyah Boston in the final minute of the game, followed by late free throws from Sophie Cunningham and Mitchell, saw the Fever secure the victory.
After missing the first two games of the season because of an ankle injury, Cunningham finally made her regular-season debut, entering the game three minutes into the first quarter.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Dream in the first half at State Farm Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Center Dantas went to Instagram on Friday evening to share some photos from the season so far and wrote an inspiring caption in Portuguese to her fans.
“Between one ball and another, a lot is changing around here 👀, the caption translated to. “New energy, new content and the same mission: to represent, inspire and play with the heart. 💥🏀.”
Many fans and fellow athletes rushed to Dantas’ comment section to show their love and support, including Fever’s star player Caitlin Clark, who wrote “DD THE GOAT” minutes after the photos were shared.
Damiris Dantas saw more playing time late in the season after recovering from injury. She made 39.4% of her 3-pointers.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Dantas still brings valuable veteran experience to the Fever. In the 2024 season, she averaged 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. The Brazilian basketball player has been with the Fever since 2011 and played for the Brazilian basketball team in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, Clark scored 11 points, added five assists and three rebounds to Thursday’s game. But she missed all five of her three-point attempts, which ended her impressive 140-game streak of making at least one three-pointer, dating back to her college days. The game also featured a heated exchange between Clark and Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard late in the first quarter.
