From the tip off it was clear that this one would be physical, tense, and swinging back and forth. The Fever, seeded sixth, were on the road facing No. 3 seed Dream in a winner-take-all Game 3. Atlanta, with home-court in this decider, tried to impose their offense early.

Indiana responded with scrappy defense, hustle plays, and standout performances from veteran leaders and rising stars alike. By the close of the third quarter, though, the Dream had eked out a lead—one that would be tested to its limits in the final minutes.

Late in the fourth, the Dream appeared poised to take control. With about 2:32 remaining, Rhyne Howard buried a three to put them up 85–80. It looked like might be the dagger.

But Indiana refused to fold. Boston backcut, Mitchell slashed, Hull hit key shots, the defense tightened, and an offensive rebound or two turned into golden opportunities. The Fever closed on a 7–0 run in the final two minutes, turning an alarming deficit into a shocking lead.

Aliyah Boston was the hero at the end. With 7.4 seconds left, after a loose ball scramble under the basket, Boston was left open and finished an easy layup that put Indiana ahead 86–85. But they weren’t done yet. Lexie Hull came up with a clutch steal on the ensuing inbound from Atlanta.

With just over a second left, Odyssey Sims was fouled, made one of two free throws, making it 87–85. Atlanta’s last heave—a buzzer‑beating three from Brionna Jones—missed. The Fever held on to grab the win.

Boston’s stat line was impressive: 14 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists—an all‑around performance under enormous pressure. Kelsey Mitchell led the scoring with 24. Sims contributed, Natasha Howard added important plays too.

On the Dream’s side, Allisha Gray put up 19 points and 12 boards; Jordin Canada had 18 points and 10 assists. But when it came to the final stretch, Indiana’s composure and depth made all the difference.

What this win represents can’t be understated. It ends a playoff series win drought for the Fever going back a decade. It proves that even without some of their stars due to injury, they have the resilience, leadership, and collective belief to make big moments count. Head coach Stephanie White earned praise for her poise and for fostering a team culture that doesn’t quit.

Looking ahead, Indiana will face the next opponent—whether that’s Las Vegas or another high seed—having just demonstrated what they are capable of. The momentum of this kind of comeback—especially on the road in a Game 3—is huge.

It sends a message not just to themselves but to the rest of the league that the Fever are dangerous. For Boston, this is a signature moment. For Mitchell, Hull, Sims, Natasha Howard and the rest, it’s a collective statement: in clutch time, Indiana can deliver.

This kind of game will be remembered for years in Indiana. It’s more than just winning—it’s bravery under pressure, executed with skill and heart.

As the Fever step into the Semifinals, the question becomes: can they keep this level of intensity? And do they now believe they belong among the league’s elite? With what we saw tonight, the answer is leaning toward yes.