The Indiana Fever secured an 81-76 road victory against the Atlanta Dream on May 22, 2025, marking their second win of the season. While the win was crucial, it wasn't the most polished performance. Following the game, Caitlin Clark offered a concise assessment, capturing the essence of the victory.
Clark, the Fever's star guard, didn't have her best shooting night, scoring 11 points and going 0-5 from three-point range, ending her 140-game streak of making at least one three-pointer. Despite the offensive struggles, the Fever found a way to win, showcasing resilience and determination. After the game, Clark, while walking back to the locker room, described the win in three words: "Good dub. Ugly, but we found a way to win," as captured on the Fever's X account.
The game against the Dream was a grind. The Fever had a slow offensive start, trailing 13-18 at the end of the first quarter. Strong play from the bench, including eight points from Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull, along with solid defense from Damiris Dantas, kept the Fever within striking distance. In the second quarter, the Fever found their rhythm, taking their first lead of the night. A three-pointer from Dantas tied the score, and a deep field goal from Kelsey Mitchell put Indiana ahead. Mitchell's nine-point second quarter helped the Fever secure a 37-34 lead at halftime.
Natasha Howard dominated the third quarter, scoring 13 points, including seven in the opening minutes, while also contributing defensively with several rebounds. The game remained close in the final minutes. Mitchell hit a clutch three-pointer to give Indiana a narrow lead. A layup from Aliyah Boston, followed by Sophie Cunningham drawing an offensive foul and late free throws from Cunningham and Mitchell, sealed the 81-76 victory for the Fever. Howard finished with 26 points and seven rebounds, while Mitchell added 17 points.
While Clark's post-game comment captured the nature of the win, she also made headlines recently by praising teammate Damiris Dantas. Dantas shared photos on Instagram, reflecting on the changes and her mission to "represent, inspire, and play with heart." Clark responded to the post with three words: "DD THE GOAT."
Dantas, a veteran player for the Fever since 2011, has brought valuable experience and defensive presence to the team. After recovering from an injury, she has seen increased playing time, contributing to the team's performance. Her journey also includes playing for the Brazilian basketball team in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
The Fever's victory over the Dream demonstrates their ability to win even when facing challenges. As they prepare to face the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty, they will need to address their offensive struggles and find consistency on both ends of the court. With a combination of veteran leadership and young talent, the Fever are aiming to build on this win and establish themselves as a contender in the WNBA.