-
Alexa Philippou
INDIANAPOLIS — Getting into Friday’s matchup in opposition to the Atlanta Dream, the Indiana Fever have been determined for a confidence-boosting win, notably coming off Wednesday’s 19-point loss to the Golden State Valkyries that guard Kelsey Mitchell deemed a “butt-whooping.”
Indiana obtained the bounce-back it hoped for: The Fever cruised to a 99-82 dub over the fifth-place Dream — a bunch who’d been a troublesome matchup for them earlier this season — to get again to .500 (10-10) with three video games left earlier than the All-Star break.
After bemoaning their inconsistency earlier this week, the Fever showcased the offensive firepower that, with a wholesome Caitlin Clark and when firing on all cylinders collectively, makes them one of the vital potent squads within the league. Indiana’s 59 second-half factors marked probably the most factors the franchise has scored in any half this season and have been tied for his or her most in any half within the final seven seasons. Their 99 whole factors mirrored their second-best scoring output on the season, whereas their 11 3-pointers have been tied for his or her second-most in a recreation this yr.
“I believed we simply performed with a very nice tempo,” Clark instructed ESPN. “We moved the ball, we minimize onerous, which opened up the 3-point line for us, after which we knocked down some pictures, but additionally I believed our protection was actually good. I feel it was either side of the ball. It form of felt like how we should always get again on the market and play each single recreation.”
“Our crew has sufficient offensive threats that we should always have 5 to 6 individuals in double-figures each single night time once we transfer the ball,” added Sophie Cunningham, who completed with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. “When the ball is popping, we’re a very onerous crew to protect.”
In her second recreation again from a five-game absence with a groin harm, Clark completed with simply 12 factors on 5 for 17 taking pictures (1 for 7 from 3) however was most happy with how she directed the offense, the place she chipped in 9 of their 27 assists on 35 made pictures.
“I do know [my shot] is correct there and it will fall, however I believed truthfully that is in all probability among the best video games the place I’ve simply managed all the tempo of the sport and managed the best way we have to play, particularly within the second half, took care of the ball rather well,” Clark stated. “I believed I used to be only a actually good ground basic tonight, and I feel that is one thing I might be extra happy with than making pictures. That is precisely what this crew wanted.”
Clark — who moreover missed 5 video games in Could/June with a quad situation — is now 4 for 35 on 3-pointers in her final 5 video games (three of which have been in June, previous to being sidelined with harm). That 11.4% clip is the worst 3-point discipline objective share over a five-game span in WNBA historical past (minimal 35 makes an attempt). The star guard, whose 3-point taking pictures has lengthy been a trademark of her recreation, confirmed some frustration all through the night as she struggled to transform from deep. However when she was not discovering her teammates, she additionally discovered success attacking the rim in opposition to Atlanta’s strain.
“I am not fearful about Caitlin’s shot,” coach Stephanie White stated. “She’s recovering from harm. She performs heavy, onerous minutes. Each defensive scout, she’s the highest of the scouting report. So her shot high quality that she’s getting has not been nice. We’re simply so used to her making robust pictures, and to have the ability to try this whereas she’s recovering from harm goes to be harder. That is a part of the explanation that we wish to attempt to make her life simpler.
“For her to remain affected person … we simply have to assist navigate her personal frustration. She’s a perfectionist, as most elite gamers are, and he or she wants to have the ability to give herself grace in these moments.”
Atlanta (12-8) had a lot of the momentum early, buoyed by a sizzling taking pictures night time from veteran guard Jordin Canada. Canada caught fireplace within the first half, the place she knocked down six of her 9 3s and went into the locker room with 26 factors — each of which have been already career-highs. Although the Dream led by as many as seven within the third quarter, Indiana kicked its offense to a different gear because the body went on, outscoring Atlanta 39-19 and hitting 56% of its pictures within the last 13:37 of the sport.
“We have been a bit bit lackadaisical in our box-outs and allowed them to get second-chance alternatives,” Canada stated. “And within the fourth quarter, we simply miscommunicated on plenty of issues. It began within the third quarter and simply continued into the fourth quarter and we weren’t capable of alter like we should always have.”
Added Brittney Griner: “Each possession issues. These little lapses that we had… they are a good crew and so they capitalized on it. If we play like this in opposition to any crew within the league, you understand that is the result.”
The Fever stated doubling down defensively helped gas their offense. As a part of that, they slowed down Canada, who managed simply 4 factors within the second half.
“I feel when the ball pings and we get to 2 and three sides, you get to see extra of who we’re,” stated Kelsey Mitchell, who paced the crew with 25 factors. “And I feel that is tied with how efficient our protection might be.”
Attempting to construct consistency will stay a spotlight for the Fever coming into the ultimate recreation of their present five-game homestand, during which they’ve gone 2-2. The Dallas Wings, led by 2025 No.1 choose Paige Bueckers, come to city for a Sunday afternoon tilt on ABC.
“That is [our second game] with our complete roster, with everybody in our rotation,” White stated. “I feel constructing consistency in habits for us, persevering with to work consistency in rotation, now that [Clark]’s again, now that [Damiris Dantas]’s again, what does it appear to be…it is one recreation, it was a giant one, we would have liked it, however we have got to proceed to stack days and construct on it.”