The WNBA season has just begun, and already, fans are being treated to high-stakes, nail-biting contests that promise a captivating year of basketball. One such instant classic unfolded on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, as the Atlanta Dream secured a narrow 91-90 victory over the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This thrilling opening night encounter for both teams, decided in the final seconds, has immediately intensified the burgeoning rivalry between these two dynamic franchises and set the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch.
A Game of Runs and Resiliency: The Fever’s Fightback
The contest began with the Atlanta Dream asserting their dominance early, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that saw them outshoot the Fever inside the paint and establish an eight-point lead, ending the first quarter up 31-23. The Dream’s intensity continued into the second quarter, making it seem as though they might pull away. However, the Indiana Fever, fueled by a strong second-quarter performance, particularly from their phenom Caitlin Clark, began to chip away at the deficit. Clark’s eleven points in the second quarter helped pull the Fever within two points by halftime, demonstrating the team’s resilience and their ability to absorb an early punch.
The third quarter saw the Dream once again create separation, with Rhyne Howard igniting a scoring surge, including three consecutive three-pointers, that stretched Atlanta’s lead to 76-65 by the end of the quarter. At this point, many in the packed arena might have started to concede a comfortable victory for the visiting Dream. Yet, the Fever, known for their fighting spirit, refused to yield. The fourth quarter became a testament to their grit, as Clark and Lexie Hull combined for nine points early in the frame, including crucial three-pointers, to pull Indiana within striking distance.
The comeback was a testament to the Fever’s core players, with Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston shouldering the scoring load. They combined for a remarkable 75 of Indiana’s 90 points, shooting an impressive 56% from the field as a trio. Clark, in particular, delivered another historic performance, recording 27 points and 11 assists, marking her 10th 20-point, 10-assist game of her career, tying the WNBA record. This feat is even more astounding considering she achieved it in just 42 career games, while the previous record-holder, Courtney Vandersloot, did so over 430 appearances. Aliyah Boston also shone brightly, securing her second consecutive double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Dream’s Clutch Finish: Rhyne Howard Delivers
Despite Indiana’s valiant efforts to erase the deficit, the Atlanta Dream showcased their own resolve in the game’s waning moments. After trailing for much of the game, Indiana took its second lead of the night with just 21 seconds remaining, when Aliyah Boston sank a free throw to put the Fever up 90-89. The tension in Gainbridge Fieldhouse was palpable.
However, the Dream had one more answer. On the very next possession, Rhyne Howard, the Dream’s All-Star, was fouled on a drive and calmly sank both of her free throws with 9.1 seconds left, reclaiming the lead for Atlanta at 91-90. The Fever had one last chance to win it, but Natasha Howard’s attempt near the rim was blocked by Nia Coffey, and her subsequent putback attempt clanked off the rim as the buzzer sounded, securing the thrilling one-point victory for the Atlanta Dream.
The Dream’s balanced attack was crucial to their victory. Brittney Griner, making her debut with the Dream, led the team with 21 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing her dominant interior presence. Rhyne Howard added 20 points, including four crucial three-pointers, while Brionna Jones contributed a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Allisha Gray rounded out the impressive scoring effort with 16 points. The new additions, particularly Griner and Jones, provided a formidable presence inside, which helped the Dream control the paint and also put pressure on the Fever’s perimeter defense.
Looking Ahead: A Rivalry Reignited
This opening night thriller between the Dream and the Fever immediately sets a high bar for the 2025 WNBA season. It was a game filled with momentum swings, star performances, and a dramatic conclusion that left fans wanting more. Both teams displayed strengths and areas for improvement, promising an exciting season ahead.
For the Indiana Fever, the loss, while heartbreaking, offers valuable lessons. Their ability to fight back from significant deficits is a positive takeaway, as is the continued stellar play of their core trio. However, they will need to address their defensive lapses and find more consistent scoring contributions from their new additions if they are to maximize their potential this season. The team’s free-throw shooting, an area of struggle, also proved costly in this tight contest.
The Atlanta Dream, on the other hand, will take immense confidence from this road victory. Their ability to hold off a determined Fever comeback and execute in the clutch speaks volumes about their poise and the impact of their new talent. The seamless integration of Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones into their system suggests a strong season ahead for Atlanta.
The immediate future holds a rematch between these two teams. The Indiana Fever will travel south to face the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on Thursday, May 22, in what will be the Dream’s home opener. This quick turnaround provides both teams with an immediate opportunity to adjust and respond, further fueling what promises to be one of the most compelling rivalries in the WNBA this season. Fans are already eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the “Dream vs Fever” saga, a testament to the growing excitement and competitive spirit of women’s professional basketball.
