The Indiana Fever’s 2024 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but their latest victory—a gritty 89-84 win over the Atlanta Dream—marked a historic milestone: the team’s fifth consecutive victory, its longest winning streak since 2021.

At the center of the surge are two players who delivered performances for the ages: guard Sophie Cunningham, who “caught fire” with a scorching third-quarter scoring barrage, and center Aliyah Boston, who dominated the fourth quarter to seal the win.

The game, played in front of a raucous crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, showcased why the Fever are suddenly the talk of the WNBA.

Cunningham, the 26-year-old Mercury transplant acquired in an offseason trade, put on a shooting clinic in the third quarter, scoring 17 of her game-high 28 points in the frame.

The Fever, trailing 51-46 at halftime, leaned on Cunningham’s explosive scoring to flip the script. She hit 6 of 8 shots in the quarter, including four three-pointers, while also drawing critical fouls to keep the Dream’s defense off-balance.

“She was unstoppable,” said Fever coach Chris Becker. “When Sophie gets in that zone, you just get out of her way.” Her performance was all the more impressive given her struggles earlier in the season, during which she averaged just 10.2 points on 39% shooting. “I’ve been working tirelessly to find my rhythm,” Cunningham said. “Tonight, everything clicked.”

While Cunningham’s third-quarter explosion gave the Fever momentum, it was Boston’s fourth-quarter dominance that ensured the victory. The 22-year-old rookie, selected third overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft, imposed her will on both ends of the floor.

She scored 12 of her 18 points in the final quarter, including six straight during a pivotal 10-2 run that turned a two-point deficit into a six-point lead.

Her presence in the paint—coupled with her ability to stretch the floor with her mid-range game—proved insurmountable for the Dream’s defense. “Aliyah is a nightmare to game plan for,” said Atlanta coach Chris Paul. “She’s physical, skilled, and unrelentingly competitive.”

Boston also anchored Indiana’s defense, recording three blocks and altering several other shots. Her most critical play came with 1:12 remaining and the Fever up by three, when she leaped to swat a driving layup attempt by Dream guard Chennedy Carter, then grabbed the rebound and outletted to Cunningham for a fast-break layup. “That was the play of the game,” said Fever guard Tiffany Mitchell. “Aliyah’s energy is contagious.”

The win extended the Fever’s winning streak to five games, a stunning turnaround for a team that started the season 5-12. The resurgence has been fueled by improved chemistry, stronger defensive intensity, and the emergence of Cunningham and Boston as a formidable duo. “We’re finally clicking,” Boston said. “We trust each other now. That’s the difference.”

Cunningham and Boston’s synergy was evident throughout the game. They combined for 46 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, often finding each other in transition or through clever off-ball movement.

Their partnership has become the cornerstone of Indiana’s offense, blending Cunningham’s perimeter scoring with Boston’s inside-out versatility. “They’re a problem,” said Dream forward Betnijah Laney. “You can’t stop both.”

The Fever’s streak has also been propelled by a renewed commitment to defense. After ranking 10th in defensive efficiency for much of the season, Indiana has climbed to fourth over the past five games, holding opponents to 98.4 points per 100 possessions.

The improvement has been led by Boston’s rim protection and Cunningham’s improved perimeter defense, which has allowed the team to transition into a faster, more aggressive offense. “We’re not just scoring—we’re stopping people,” Becker said. “That’s how you win consistently.”

The victory also had playoff implications. With the win, the Fever improved to 15-17, moving into a tie for sixth place in the league standings with three weeks remaining in the regular season.

While they remain on the fringe of the postseason picture, the team’s momentum has reignited hope among fans. “We’re not done yet,” Mitchell said. “We’ve worked too hard to get here.”

For Cunningham, the game marked a personal breakthrough. After struggling to adapt to the Fever’s system early in the season, she has found her rhythm, averaging 22.6 points on 51% shooting during the winning streak. “I’ve learned to trust the process,” she said. “This team believes in me, and that freedom changes everything.”

Boston, meanwhile, continues to build a Rookie of the Year résumé that grows more impressive by the game. Her 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game rank her among the league’s elite, regardless of experience level. “She’s not just a rookie—she’s a franchise cornerstone,” said ESPN analyst Sue Bird during the broadcast. “The Fever hit the jackpot.”

The game also showcased the Fever’s depth. Role players like guard Alexis Shealey (12 points) and forward Li Yueru (8 points, 7 rebounds) provided crucial contributions, while veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kirby brought physicality off the bench. “This isn’t just about Sophie and Aliyah,” Becker said. “Everyone’s buying in.”

As the Fever prepare for a critical road trip next week, they do so with a confidence that has been absent for much of the season. The combination of Cunningham’s scoring firepower, Boston’s two-way dominance, and a cohesive team culture has transformed Indiana into a team no one wants to face in a potential playoff series. “We’re dangerous right now,” Cunningham said. “And we’re just getting started.”

For fans of the Fever, the winning streak has brought a renewed sense of excitement to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Attendance has spiked, social media engagement has surged, and the team’s once-toxic locker room now appears united. “This is what we envisioned when we built this roster,” general manager Allison Moseman said. “We’re proud of how they’ve responded to adversity.”

The broader implications for the WNBA are also significant. As the league seeks to capitalize on its growing popularity, the Fever’s resurgence provides a compelling narrative: a franchise once mired in mediocrity, now rising behind a dynamic young core.

Cunningham and Boston, in particular, represent the future of the league—athletes who blend elite skill with charisma and marketability. “This is the kind of story that attracts new fans,” said Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Indiana’s turnaround is a testament to the league’s potential.”

As the Fever chase their first playoff berth since 2020, all eyes will remain on Cunningham and Boston. Their ability to maintain this level of performance will determine whether the streak is a flash in the pan or the start of something special. For now, though, the team is savoring the moment. After years of struggle, the Fever are flying high—and showing no signs of slowing down.

In the end, this game will be remembered as a turning point. Sophie Cunningham’s fiery scoring, Aliyah Boston’s dominant presence, and the Fever’s collective grit have redefined the team’s identity. As the calendar flips to the final stretch of the season, one thing is clear: Indiana is back, and the league had better take notice.