Fever Clinch 14th Win: Clark Leads Comeback Against Dream

The Indiana Fever edged out a hard-fought victory over the Atlanta Dream on Monday night, securing their 14th win of the season and marking their highest win total since 2016, Tamika Catchings' final season and Indiana's last playoff appearance.

The Dream, despite trailing by 14 points, made a valiant effort to claw their way back into the game, closing the gap to just two points with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, untimely fouls by Atlanta allowed the Fever to maintain a slender lead, ultimately securing a 84-79 victory.

The Fever, now 14-16, remain in seventh place in the WNBA standings, still holding a playoff spot.

Clark Rolls Ankle, but Returns in Triumph

Fever fans held their breath in the first quarter when rookie star Caitlin Clark tumbled to the ground, clutching her ankle after a tangle with Nia Coffey near the free-throw line. After a lengthy pause, Clark received medical attention and eventually walked back to the bench.

Fortunately, the injury appeared to be minor. Clark returned to the game in the second quarter, showing no signs of a limp. Though ankle injuries are no stranger to the young guard – she suffered a similar injury in May against the Sun – she showed her resilience by returning to that game and later commented, "every basketball player has an ankle injury. If you don't, you're not a true baller."

Hull Steps Up, Samuelson's Minutes Diminish

Lexie Hull, who began the season on the bench, has seen a significant increase in playing time. She logged 30 minutes in the game against the Dream, contributing two points, four rebounds, and two assists. Hull has recorded 20 or more minutes in each of the Fever's last three games, demonstrating her defensive prowess and flashes of offensive talent.

Hull's rise in minutes has come at the expense of Katie Lou Samuelson, who usually starts at the 3 position. Samuelson played only seven minutes against the Dream and took just one shot, marking a continued trend of reduced playing time since the Olympic break.

Mitchell Continues Scorching Form

Kelsey Mitchell, a two-time WNBA All-Star, has displayed a resurgence in scoring since the Olympic break, averaging over 24 points per game in the Fever's last four games. She consistently contributed to the Fever's victory over the Dream, putting up 29 points in 38 minutes of play.

Clark Achieves Rookie 3-Pointer Milestone

Clark added another feather to her cap, tying the rookie record for 3-pointers made in a single season with four against the Dream, bringing her total to 85. This record was previously held by Atlanta's Rhyne Howard, set in her rookie season in 2022. Clark now has 10 games remaining to surpass Howard's record and claim the title for herself.

The Fever's rookie sensation finished the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, demonstrating her multifaceted talent on the court.